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NUMISMATIC NOTES 
AND MONOGRAPHS 

No. 20 



ITALIAN ORDERS OF CHIVALRY 
AND MEDALS OF HONOUR 


By HARROLD E. GILLINGHAM 


THE AMERICAN NUMISMATIC SOCIETY 
BROADWAY AT I56TH STREET 
NEW YORK 
1923 


Wonr 


nl 



PUBLICATIONS 


The American Journal of Numismatics, 

1866-1920. 

Monthly, May, 1866—April, 1870. 

Quarterly, July, 1870—October, 1912. 

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With many plates, illustrations, maps and 
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umes has been issued as part of Volume 
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for $3.00. 


The American Numismatic Society. Catalogue 
of the International Exhibition of Contem¬ 
porary Medals. March, 1910. New and 
revised edition. New York. 1911. xxxvi, 
412 pages, 512 illustrations. $10.00. 

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tion of United States and Colonial Coins. 
1914. vii, 134 pages, 40 plates. $1.00. 




NUMISMATIC 

NOTES & MONOGRAPHS 


Numismatic Notes and Monographs 
is devoted to essays and treatises on sub¬ 
jects relating to coins, paper money, 
medals and decorations, and is uniform 
with Hispanic Notes and Monographs 
published by The Hispanic Society of 
America, and with Indian Notes and 
Monographs issued by the Museum of the 
American Indian—Heye Foundation. 


Publication Committee 

Agnes Baldwin Brett, Chairman 
Henry Russell Drowne 
John Reilly, Jr. 

Editorial Staff 

Sydney Philip Noe, Editor 
Howland Wood, Associate Editor 
V. E. Earle, Assistant 














* 






















































Italy (savoy) 

Order of the Most Sacred Annunciation Plaque 



ITALIAN ORDERS OF 
CHIVALRY 


AND 

MEDALS OF HONOUR 


BY 

HARROLD E. GILLINGHAM 



a 

) 


THK AMERICAN NUMISMATIC SOCIETY 
BROADWAY AT I56TH STREET 
NEW YORK 
1923 


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6 &oo 

GrS 


COPYRIGHT, 1923, BY 
THE AMERICAN NUMISMATIC SOCIETY 


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Press of The Lent & Graff Co., New York 

FFR.III924 { <i_ 

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i 

ITALIAN ORDERS OF CHIVALRY 
AND MEDALS OF HONOUR 

By Harrold E. Gillingham 

Students have always found the coinage 
of Italy of more than passing interest, and 
the country of the early Romans is still a 
far from exhausted field of numismatic re¬ 
search. Few sections of Europe have had 
such a varied history. Few have been more 
fought over. Greeks, Romans, Vandals, 
Goths, Franks, Germans, Normans, Span¬ 
iards, Austrians and the Papal Authorities 
have had a hand in the mismanagement of the 
country’s affairs, and all have left traces 
of their influence, but nowhere more defi¬ 
nitely than in the field of numismatics. 
The changing coinage has always been 
interesting, and the publication of the Corpus 
Nummorum Italicorum, undertaken by His 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 








2 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


Majesty, Victor Emmanuel III, is a magnifi¬ 
cent demonstration of the value of numis¬ 
matic research. 

In the time of Augustus, “Italia” was 
divided into eleven sections. In the feudal 
period many of these had been governed for 
centuries by members of the same family. 
It was a normal condition for these clans to 
wage war one upon the other, and this state 
of affairs existed almost uninterruptedly 
until the middle of the Nineteenth Century. 
“The destinies of Italy were decided in the 
cabinets and on the battle-fields of Northern 
Europe—a Bourbon at Versailles, a Haps- 
burg at Vienna or a thick-lipped Lorrainer, 
with the stroke of his pen, wrote off province 
against province, regarding not the popula¬ 
tion who had bled for him or thrown them¬ 
selves upon his mercy.” Through it all, the 
Papacy has exerted a powerful influence. In 
the early period such a shifting of control was 
not to the best interests of the inhabitants. 

The Kingdom of Italy, as we know it 
today, did not exist, of course, until 1870. 
With the fall of the French Empire under 
Napoleon III, the assistance of France was 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 







MEDALS OF HONOUR 

3 

no longer available, and Rome came under 
the dominion of Victor Emmanuel. All of 
that gieat mountainous peninsula was 
united and free. For over seventy years the 
country has been governed by a Prince of the 
House of Savoy. Its population has pros¬ 
pered more during that period than for many 
preceding centuries. 

These changing conditions were not with¬ 
out effect upon the organisations which we 
class as Orders of Knighthood. Many of the 
Orders of Chivalry founded by the Ducal or 
Princely rulers of Italy were named for their 
patron saints. It has seemed expedient in 
this article to treat of the Orders and Decora¬ 
tions of all of these changing principalities 
separately. Insofar as is possible, any 
repetition which this course involves has 
been avoided. 


AND MONOGRAPHS 








4 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


LUCCA. 

Lucca, the most northern province of 
Tuscany, lies between the Apennines and 
the Mediterranean Sea. Its principal city, 
Lucca, on the River Sarchio, is famous for a 
remarkable bridge which is said to have been 
built about 1000 A.D. From the time of 
the Narses, in the Sixth Century, Lucca was 
an important city. Here and at Pisa, the 
earliest Italian school of painting flourished 
in the Twelfth and Thirteenth Centuries. 
Lucca became an autonomous commune 
from the death of Matilda (1115). In 1314 
Uguccione della Faggiola seized the reins of 
Government, but later he was superseded 
by the powerful Castruccio Castracani. 
Louis of Bavaria, after having occupied it 
by his troops, sold it to a Genoese banker, 
Gherardo Spinola; it was seized by John, 
King of Bohemia, pawned by him to the 
Rossi of Parma, sold to Florence, relin¬ 
quished to Pisa, nominally liberated by 
Charles IV (Emperor of Germany, 1346- 
1^78) and governed by his vicar. Lucca, 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 








MEDALS OF HONOUR 

5 

subjected to endless vicissitudes, managed 
first as a democracy and after 1628 as an 
oligarchy, to maintain its independence, 
alongside of Venice and Genoa, and painted 
the word “Libertas” on its banner until the 
French Revolution. In 1805, Napoleon I 
gave Lucca to his sister Eliza, who had 
married Bacciochi. It was occupied by 
the Neapolitans in 1814, and from 1816 to 
1847 it was the Duchy of Maria Louisa of 
Parma (who married her cousin, Charles IV 
of Spain), and was ruled by her son, Charles 
Louis. It later formed one of the provinces 
of Tuscany. Under the rule of the Lombard 
Dukes, Lucca possessed a coinage of its own. 

MILITARY ORDER OF SAINT GEORGE 
OF LUCCA. Duke Charles Louis Ferdi¬ 
nand, a Spanish Bourbon, founded this 
Order on June 1, 1833. It was called Or dine 
di San Giorgio per il Merito Militare, and 
was awarded for military services to the 
Duchy. It was also issued to officers and 
privates whose service exceeded three years. 

The Decoration is a Maltese cross, enam¬ 
elled white. It is edged with gold for the 


AND MONOGRAPHS 







6 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


first class, with silver for the second, while 
for the third class it is silver without the 
enamel. In the centre is a white medallion, 
upon which there is a gold figure of St. 
George slaying the dragon, surrounded by 
the words AL MERITO MI LI TARE on a 
green band. The reverse shows the initials 
of the founder, C.L., crowned, and the date 
183J. The ribbon is bright red with a white 
stripe. 

ORDER OF SAINT LOUIS. Founded 
on December 22, 1836, by Duke Charles 
Louis, and awarded for civil merit. It was 
reorganized in 1849 by his son, Charles III, 
Duke of Parma, a Bourbon, for Civil and 
Military service; it is, therefore, classed 
with the Orders of Parma also. See page 19. 

The badge of the first class is a white- 
enamelled cross, with heavy gold lines and 
with a large fleur-de-lis at the tip of each 
cross-arm. The obverse bears a shield upon 
which is an effigy of Saint Louis in golden 
armour; the reverse has a shield bearing the 
Bourbon crest of three lilies. The second 
class cross is of silver and white enamel, 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 







ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. 1 



Parma 

Order of Saint Louis 






8 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


while the third is all silver but without the 
crown. The ribbon is blue with a yellow 
stripe on either side. 

MEDAL FOR MILITARY SERVICE. 
Created on June i, 1833, for officers who had 
served over thirty years, and called the 
Medaglia di Anzianita. The obverse bears 
a gilt Maltese cross with the initials C.L. and 
a crown above; on the reverse are the Roman 
figures XXX, denoting the years of service. 
The ribbon is blue, with yellow stripes— 
four of the former and three of the latter. 

CIVIL MEDAL OF MERIT. This Dec¬ 
oration was also instituted by Duke Charles 
Louis. It is of silver and bronze. The 
initials of the founder, C.L. intertwined, ap¬ 
pear on the obverse, and the reverse has 
inscribed thereon the words, AI BEN EME¬ 
RITI DELLA SALUTE PUBBLICA. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 








MEDALS OF HONOUR 

9 

MODENA. 

In 183 B.C. Mutina, as Modena was then 
called, was a Roman colony. For more than 
twelve centuries there were constantly 
changing rulers. In 1288 A.D. Obizzo II 
(1240-1293), of the princely house of Este, 
received the lordship of Modena. The 
Este family was one of the oldest of North¬ 
ern Italy, dating back to about 917 A.D. 
Through the marriage of an heiress of the 
house of Welf, of Bavaria, with a younger 
son of the house of Este, this family became 
connected with the houses of Brunswick 
and Hanover, from which are descended the 
Sovereigns of England, through the house of 
Guelph. At various periods, the Estensi 
received the sovereignties of Ferrara, Modena 
and Reggio. The male branch of the family 
lost the duchies of Modena and Reggio on 
the death of Hercules Rinaldo, who died in 
1803. His only daughter, Maria, married 
Ferdinand of Austria, son of Francis I and 
Maria Theresa. Their son, Francis IV, in 
1816 became the first Hapsburg duke of 


AND MONOGRAPHS 







IO 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


Modena. He died in 1846, and when his 
son Francis V died in 1875, the male line of 
the Austrian Estensi became extinct and the 
title passed to Francis, son of Archduke 
Charles Louis. Members of the Este family 
and their descendants had held the Duchy 
of Modena almost continuously from 1288 
until i860. In that year the territory by 
a plebescite was declared part of the King¬ 
dom of Italy. 

ORDER OF THE EAGLE OF ESTE. 
Founded by Francis V on December 27, 
1855, and awarded for military and civil 
merit. The number of the members of the 
Order was limited to 20 for the Grand Cross, 
40 for the Commander Class and 120 for the 
Class of the Knights. The decoration was 
surrendered on the death of the Knight. 
The insignia is a gold Maltese cross with 
gold knobs at the points, white-enamelled 
and edged with blue. Between the arms of 
the cross are gold scrolls, and the letters 
E.S.T.E. are distributed in the angles. On 
the blue medallion is the white-crowned 
eagle of the house of Este, surrounded by a 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 







ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. J L 



Modena 

Order of the Eagle of Este 


12 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


white-enamelled band, inscribed PROXIMA 
SOLI MDCCCLV. The reverse centre of 
white enamel bears the figure of Saint Con- 
tardo holding a cross. It is surrounded by 
a blue-enamelled band bearing three stars 
and inscribed S. CON TARDUS ATESTI - 
NUS. The ribbon is white, edged with blue 
stripes. When awarded for military merit, 
the cross is surmounted by a trophy of arms; 
for civil merit, by an oak wreath. 

MILITARY MEDAL FOR LOYALTY. 
Francis IV, the first Hapsburg duke of Mo¬ 
dena (1816-1846), caused a medal to be struck 
and awarded to those of his troops who re 
mained faithful during the riot of February 

4, 1831. This disturbance was organized 
by Ciro Menotti, and forced Francis IV to 
flee from his capital. It was thought by 
some that the Duke was in league with 
Menotti, but as the Duke caused Menotti 
to be put to death when the Revolution was 
suppressed, this is doubtful. The silver 
medal given to his supporting troops bears 
the inscription FIDELI MILIT 1 
MDCCCXXXI. Within a wreath of laurel, 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 







MEDALS OF HONOUR 

1 3 

and below are two crossed swords. The 
reverse is inscribed FRA NCI SC US IV DUX 
MUTINAE. The ribbon has three stripes, 
equal in width; the middle one white, the 
side ones blue. 

CROSS FOR SERVICE. Authorized by 
Francis V, May 16, 1852. This medal was 
awarded to officers who had served 25 years 
under the banner of the house of Este. It 
is a silver cross with a gilt edge. In the 
centre is the white eagle of Este, surmounted 
by a crown and the letters F. V. The reverse 
bears the Roman figures XX V. The cross 
is surmounted by the ducal crown, and the 
ribbon is white, edged with blue. 

MILITARY MEDAL OF MERIT. This 
decoration was created in 1852 for the junior 
officers and privates. It is silver. On the 
obverse appears a bust of the duke facing 
left, and the legend FRANCESCO V DUCA 
Dl MODENA EC. EC. ARCIDUCA D’AUS¬ 
TRIA ESTE EC. EC. On the reverse, within 
a laurel wreath, PEL MERITO MI LI TARE. 
The ribbon is blue, edged with white. 


AND MONOGRAPHS 










14 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


MEDAL OF FIDELITY. Francis V ap¬ 
pears to have been in a struggle with his 
subjects during most of the thirteen years 
of his reign. He was compelled to seek 
refuge in Austria in 1849, but he returned to 
Modena after the battle of Novara on March 
24th of the same year. Ten years later he 
was again forced to flee. In i860 Modena 
became part of United Italy. To reward 
those of his subjects who had remained 
faithful to him during his exile, he created 
the Medal of Fidelity in 1863. It is bronze, 
32mm. in diameter. On the obverse it bears 
the effigy of the duke and the inscription 
FRANCESCO V AUST. ATESTENUS 
DUX MUT 1 NAE ; on the reverse, the 
words FI DELI TATI ET CONSTANTIAE 
IN ADVERSIS MDCCCLXIIL surrounded 
by a wreath of oak leaves. The ribbon is of 
blue and white horizontal stripes, edged with 
blue and white. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 









MEDALS OF HONOUR 

15 

PARMA. 

Parma was the Eastern section of Gallia 
Cispadane at the time of Constantine. It 
lies in the Lombard plain, north of the 
Apennines, south of the River Po and west 
of Modena. For the first fifteen centuries 
of the Christian era, the many rulers of 
Parma were of various nationalities. The 
duchy came into the possession of the Far- 
nese family during the early part of the Six¬ 
teenth Century. Eight dukes of that family 
ruled over the destinies of its people. From 
Antonio, who died childless in 1731, the 
duchy passed to Charles of Bourbon (Don 
Carlos), Infante of Spain, who became King 
of Naples in 1735. Both Austria and Spain 
governed it at various times. At the Con¬ 
gress of Vienna in 1815, the duchy was 
granted to Marie-Louise (daughter of Fran¬ 
cis I of Austria), second wife of Napoleon I. 
She died in 1847. Spanish and Austrian 
rulers again came into possession. Charles 
III, a Bourbon and the grandson of Victor 
Emmanuel I of Sardinia, reigned from 1849 


AND MONOGRAPHS 







i6 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


until his assassination in 1854. In i860, 
during the regency of his son Robert, Parma 
was incorporated in the Kingdom of Italy. 

ORDER OF CONSTANTINE. Authori¬ 
ties differ with regard to the date of the insti¬ 
tution of this Order. It has been said that 
it was founded by Constantine the Great 
about the year 313 A.D. Others give credit 
to thle Byzantine Emperor Isaac II (Isaac 
Angelus Comnenus), and fix the year as 
1190. This seems the more probable date. 
The Order is also called the Order of Saint 
Angelus, the Order of the Golden Chevaliers, 
and the Military Order of Constantine of 
Saint George, it being under the patronage 
of that Saint and Martyr. Late in the 
Seventeenth Century its control appears to 
have been sold to Francis I (Francis of 
Farnese), Duke of Parma, who became the 
Grand Master. The Order came into high 
repute because of the rules he observed in its 
distribution, and also because of the large 
domains he conferred upon it, including the 
church of the Madonna della Steccata at Par¬ 
ma. Clark attributes its revival to Charles V. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 








MEDALS OF HONOUR 

17 

In 1734 or 1735, after the extinction of the 
male line of the Farnese family, the heir 
to the Duchy of Parma, Infante Don Carlos 
(son of Philip V of Spain and Elizabeth Far¬ 
nese), became the Grand Master. He trans¬ 
ferred the Order to Naples when he ascended 
that throne. It was abolished in Naples 
by Joseph Bonaparte in 1806 but continued 
in Sicily. Revived in 1814, it remained in 
existence until the unification of Italy. 
Owing to its transfer to Sicily, it is fre¬ 
quently classed among the Orders of the Two 
Sicilies. The members of the Order consist 
of Senators, Commanders, Knights, Serving- 
brothers and Squires. 

On August 8, 1922, the Count d’Caserta 
of the Austrian line of Bourbons, and a dis¬ 
tant cousin of the King of Italy through the 
female line, honoured one Michael Cangiano, 
the official Interpreter of the Superior Court 
of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Signor Can¬ 
giano was made a Knight of the Order of 
Constantine of Saint George of Parma and 
of Sicily. This indicates that the Order 
has been continued as a Family Order by the 
old rulers of those Duchies. 


AND MONOGRAPHS 








ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. Ill 



Parma 

Order of Constantine 





MEDALS OF HONOUR 

19 

The insignia is a red-enamelled gold cross, 
fleurv. On the arms are the letters I.H.S. V. 
(In hoc signo vinces). In the centre is the 
Labarum, or Standard. Greek letters X 
and P crossed,and A (Alpha) and & (Omega). 
Harold Bayley, in his book entitled Lost 
Language of Symbolism, London, 1913, 
writes,—“The Latin P has the same form as 
the Greek letter named Rho. One of the most 
famous emblems of early Christianity— 
known as the Labarum, the seal of Con¬ 
stantine, or the Chi-Rho monogram—is the 
letter X surmounted by a P. The two letters 
Chi and Rho are assumed to read Chr, a 
contraction for the name Christ, but the 
symbol was in use long ages prior to Chris¬ 
tianity.” The first class members of the 
Order wear a gold figure of Saint George 
slaying the dragon, suspended from the 
cross. The ribbon is light blue moire. 

ORDER OF SAINT L OUIS. Charles III, 
Duke of Parma, revived this order at Parma, 
August 11, 1849, as an award of merit. His 
father Charles Louis (or Charles II) had 
originated the order in Lucca in 1836. There 


AND MONOGRAPHS 







20 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


are five classes and the insignia is a cross, 
composed of four fleurs-de-lis, bound together 
by their leaves. On the centre of the 
obverse in a blue-enamelled shield are three 
gold lilies. On the reverse is a figure of 
St. Louis, surrounded by the motto DEUS 
ET DIES (God and light). The Grand 
Cross and that for Commanders and Cava¬ 
liers of the first class have a gold figure of 
St. Louis surmounted by a gold crown. The 
cross for the second class Cavaliers has a 
silver figure with a silver crown, and the 
fifth class is of enamelled silver without a 
crown. The ribbon is light blue and yellow. 

MEDAL OF MERIT. Founded during 
the reign of Marie Louise, 1815-1847. Marie 
Louise was the mother of the Little King 
of Rome who, fortunately for Italy, never 
reigned. The medal is silver, 20 mm., 
and bears on the obverse, AI BENEMER- 
ENTI DEL PRINCIPE E DELLO STATO. 
On the reverse is the head of Marie Louise 
and the inscription, M. LOUIS ARCID. D. D. 
AUSTRIA DUCA DI PARMA PIAZ. E. 
GUAST. The ribbon is light blue and light red. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 








MEDALS OF HONOUR 

# 

21 

SAN MARINO. 

When Marinus, the Dalmatian monk, 
and his companions settled in the Eastern 
Apennines, in the third century, they little 
thought they were establishing a community 
with such a future. For a long time San 
Marino was something like a buffer state, 
between hostile Italian dynasties in that 
vicinity. In 1631, the Independence of San 
Marino was acknowledged by the States of 
the Church. Napoleon I preserved its sep¬ 
arate existence in 1797, and Napoleon III 
protected it from the designs of Pope Pius 
IX in 1854. At the unification of Italy, 
1859-1860, San Marino was still allowed its 
independence, and today it is the smallest 
Republic in Europe. 

ORDER OF CHIVALRY OF SAN MA¬ 
RINO. Sometimes called the Equestrian 
Order of San Marino, created on August 13, 
1859, by the Council of the Republic, in 
commemoration of the fifteenth century of 
its foundation. The purpose of its founda- 


AND MONOGRAPHS 










ITALIAN 


DECORATIONS 

f 


Pl. IV 


San Marino 

Order of Chivalry of San Marino 





MEDALS OF HONOUR 

23 

tion was to reward those who were promi¬ 
nent in the welfare of the country and its 
people. There are five grades: Grand 
Crosses, Grand Officers, Commanders, Offi¬ 
cers and Chevaliers. The badge or cross, 
which is surmounted by a gold crown, is a 
gold-edged, white-enamelled cross moline 
with a gold ball at the end of each arm. Be¬ 
tween the arms are four gold towers. The 
obverse centre bears the effigy of Saint 
Marino to left, surrounded by a blue band, 
inscribed SAN MARINO PROTETTORE. 
The reverse bears on a gold shield, in the cen¬ 
tre, the arms of the country—the three 
towers. The shield is surrounded by a blue 
band bearing the words MERITO CIVILE 
E MI LI TARE. The ribbon is of seven 
equal stripes, four of blue and three of white. 

The writer has four specimens of this cross. 
Two have full-faced busts of San Marino, 
with white hair and beard. One has a 
younger face to the left, with black beard 
and hair, while the fourth has a bust in gold, 
facing to the left, but on a white-enamelled 
field. Two of the specimens bear on the 
reverse MERITO CIVILE. Elvin and 


AND MONOGRAPHS 









24 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


Lawrence-Archer give the inscription as 
“Merito Militare,” while the Catalogue 
Musee de VArmte has it “Merito Civile.” 
Cappelletti and Puca, the Italian authori¬ 
ties, give the former wording, and the figure 
of San Marino facing to the left; and this, 
no doubt, is correct. 

MEDAL OF MERIT. Instituted on 
March 22, i860. This is octagonal in form 
and of gold, silver and bronze, according to 
the importance of its award. In the centre 
of the obverse is the Arms of the Republic, 
the three towers, within an oak and laurel 
wreath, below which is the word LIBERT AS; 
around this is, REPUBBLICA Dl SAN 
MARINO. On the reverse, within an oak 
wreath, is the word ANZIANITA if the pur¬ 
pose of the reward is military, or MERITO , 
if for civil award. The ribbon is light blue, 
edged with red. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 








MEDALS OF HONOUR 

25 

SARDINIA, SAVOY AND THE 
KINGDOM OF ITALY. 

Sardinia, one of the islands of the King¬ 
dom of Italy, is known to have been settled 
by the Carthaginians in 512 B.C. Thence¬ 
forward Romans, Vandals, Goths, Saracens, 
and the Genoese ruled the island. In the 
year 1325 A.D, the king of Aragon took pos¬ 
session. From that time until 1403 Sardinia 
was an Aragonese province. After the union 
of Aragon and Castile, it became Spanish 
and so remained until 1713, when it was 
ceded to Austria by the treaty of Utrecht. 
In 1720 it w r as given to Victor Amadeus II 
(1666-1732), Duke of Savoy, in exchange for 
the island of Sicily, and he became King of 
Sardinia; the title of King of Savoy was con¬ 
ferred upon him the same year. This title 
of King of Sardinia and Savoy continued 
until the unification of Italy in 1859-1860. 

MEDAL OF VALOUR. Created in 1793 
by Victor Amadeus III (1727-1796), King of 
Sardinia. It is of gold and silver, 38 mm. 


AND MONOGRAPHS 







26 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


in diameter, and bears on the obverse a 
bust of the king facing to right and VITTO¬ 
RIO-AM ADEJJS III. The reverse has a 
wreath of oak leaves, within which is a tro¬ 
phy of arms and flags, and the words AL 
V A LORE. The ribbon is dark blue. 

About 1404 Amadeus VIII, (the first Duke 
of Savoy), extended his provinces. The 
teriitory over which he later reigned extend¬ 
ed from the Lake of Geneva to the Mediter¬ 
ranean Sea, and from the River Saone (in 
France) to ,the River Sesia in Italy. The 
Duchy of Savoy also included Nice. This 
section remained almost continually in the 
possession of the house of Savoy until i860. 

It is said that Napoleon III had a secret 
treaty with Count Cavour, the Italian states¬ 
man, before the French army went to assist 
the Sardinians to drive the Austrians from 
Northern Italy. At the Peace table, Savoy, 
the cradle of the house of that name, as well 
as Nice, was given to France. Of this set¬ 
tlement, Garibaldi is reported to have said, 
“That man (Cavour) has made me a foreigner 
in my own house.” 

Inasmuch as the Kingdom of Italy has 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 







MEDALS OF HONOUR 

27 

been ruled by princes of the house of Savoy, 
it seems proper to describe, in the subsequent 
pages, the decorations generally known as 
Italian Orders of Chivalry and Medals of 
Distinction. 

ORDER OF THE MOST SACRED 
ANNUNCIATION. This Order is the high¬ 
est in rank and most important of all the 
Italian Decorations. It ranks with the 
Golden Fleece of Spain and the Garter of 
England. Authorities differ as to its origin, 
though many of them give the year 1362 as 
the date of its foundation. In that year, 
the Order of the Neck Chain 01 Order of the 
Collar of Savoy was founded by Amadeus 
VI, Count Verde of Savoy (1333-13S3). His 
grandfather, Amadeus V, called the Great, 
assisted the Knights of the Order of Saint 
John of Jerusalem at Rhodes, and compelled 
the Turks, under Mahomet II, to abandon 
their siege of that island in 1310 or, as some 
state, in 1315. For this service Amadeus V 
was presented with a collar, bearing the let¬ 
ters F.E.R.T. Fortitudo ejus Rhodum tenuit 
(By his bravery Rhodes was held). He 


AND MONOGRAPHS 








28 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


was also granted for his Arms, the use of 
the white cross of the Crusaders, which later 
became the Cross of Savoy (H. W. Finch- 
am’s “Order of St. John of Jerusalem in 
England”). Although authorities differ as 
to the exact meaning of these letters 
F.E.R.T., the above is the more generally 
accepted explanation, and is that given by 
Bernardo Giustinian, the Italian authority, 
in 1692. In 1518, new statutes were formu¬ 
lated for the Order by Charles III, Count of 
Savoy. At that time the name was changed 
to the Order of the Most Sacred Annuncia¬ 
tion. Several changes in the Order have 
been made by various Counts of Savoy since 
that time, among whom were Victor Emman¬ 
uel II in 1869 and Humbert I in 1889. There 
is but one class of Members—Chevaliers or 
Knights, whose number, exclusive of the 
Sovereign and Church Dignitaries and 
Princes, is limited. They must also be of 
the Roman Catholic faith. The insignia 
consists of a gold medallion on which is a 
representation of the Annunciation, above 
which is a dove, symbolising the Holy Spirit. 
This is surrounded by a group of symbolic 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 







«£ 


ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. V 



Italy (savoy) 

Order of the Most Sacred Annunciation 


30 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


knots of ribbon (lacs d’amour), on which are 
numerous roses, a possible reference to the 
Mystic Rose. The whole is suspended from 
a gold chain, composed of alternate knots of 
ribbon and roses, with the letters F.E.R.T. 
interwoven. The plaque, or star, is similar 
to the badge, surrounded by eight rays of 
flame, with the letters F.E.R.T. on the sides. 
The ribbon is blue moire. (Frontispiece.) 

ORDER OF SAINT MAURICE AND 
SAINT LAZARUS. The Order of St. Mau¬ 
rice was instituted in 1434, at Ripaille, 
near the lake of Geneva, by Amadeus VIII 
(13^3-1450), Count and first Duke of Savoy. 
The Order took its name from the patron 
saint of Savoy. Amadeus VIII conferred 
this Order on ten of his courtiers when they 
accompanied him to his retreat at the priory 
of Ripaille. He was elected Pope in 1439, 
taking the name of Felix V, but he resigned 
in 1448 and retired to the solitude of Ripaille, 
where he died in 1450. He is buried at 
Lausanne. Shortly after his death, the Or¬ 
der became dormant. It was revived in 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 








ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. VI 



Italy (savoy) 

Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus 





32 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


1572 by Duke Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy, 
to encourage the Catholics to resist the Cal- 
vinistic reforms attempted in Savoy. The 
Dukes of Savoy were Grand Masters. 

The Order of Saint Lazarus was gen¬ 
erally supposed to have been founded about 
the year 1060, during the earlier crusades, 
although there was a Fraternity of Ecclesias¬ 
tical Knights who as early as 366 A.D. 
founded a hospital at Jerusalem to care for 
the lepers. These were known as the 
Knights of St. Lazarus. Elias Ashmole, 
in his “History of the most noble Order of 
the Garter,” London, 1715, writes—“At 
length, through the incursion of the Barba¬ 
rians, and Injury of Time, it (the order) 
lay extinguished, but was revived when the 
Latin Princes joyned in a Holy League to 
recover the Holy Land. . . . For in that 
Time the Monks of this Order added Martial 
Discipline to their Skill in Physick; and for 
their Services against the Infidels, begat a 
great Esteem from Baldwin II, King of 
Jerusalem, and some of his Successors.” 
The Order was inactive for a long period. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






MEDALS OF HONOUR 

33 

In 1490 it was united with the Hospitallers 
of St. John at Rhodes, but in 1565 Pope Pius 
IV restored it and granted additional privi¬ 
leges. In September, 1572, Pope Gregory 
XIII, at the request of Emmanuel Philibert, 
Duke of Savoy, restored the Order of Saint 
Maurice and united it with that of St. Laz¬ 
arus, under the title of the ORDER OF 
SAINT MAURICE AND SAINT LAZARUS. 
Pope Gregory XIII also appointed the Dukes 
of Savoy Hereditaries and Masters, and as 
Ashmole writes—“oblig’d them to furnish 
out two Gallies for the Service of the Papal 
See, to be employ’d against Pyrates.” 

There have been many changes in the Or¬ 
der by the various sovereigns, but at present 
there are five grades: Knights of the Grand 
Cross, Grand Officers, Commanders, Officers 
and Chevaliers. The number of the last 
grade is unlimited. Many foreigners have 
been decorated with this grade. The pres¬ 
ent form of decoration was established by 
Duke Charles Emmanuel I (1562-1630). The 
badge consists of a white-enamelled cross, 
treflee, of St. Maurice, conjoined at the 

* 

AND MONOGRAPHS 









34 


ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


angles with the green Maltese cross of St. 
Lazarus, which is ball-tipped at the points. 
The badges of the four higher grades are sur¬ 
mounted by a Royal crown, the size of the 
cross and of the crown indicating the par¬ 
ticular grade. It is suspended by a bright 
green watered ribbon. The eight-rayed star 
of the Order is silver. In the centre is a 
reproduction of the badge or cross, without 
the crown. 

MEDAL OF SAINT MAURICE. Insti¬ 
tuted for Military services by King Charles 
Albert, 1 King of Sardinia, on July 19, 1839. 
It was intended as further recognition of 
those officials who had received the cross of 
the Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus, 
and who had served under the flag 11 per la 
durati di died lustri” (lustri meaning a five 
year enlistment, and died lustri , therefore, 
fifty years). The Medal is gold, bearing on 
the obverse the equestrian figure of the pa¬ 
tron saint of Savoy, St. Maurice, holding the 
flag of the Order in his right hand. Around 
this are the words S. MAURIZIO PRO- 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 










MEDALS OF HONOUR 

35 

TETTORE DELLE NOSTRE ARMI. The 
reverse is inscribed as below, 

AL C A V A LI ERE 

MAU RIZIA NO 

PER DIECI LUSTRI 

NELLA CARRIERA 

MI LI TARE 

BENEM ERITO 

space being reserved for the name of the 
recipient. There are two sizes of the medal. 
The larger, 55 mm. in diameter, is for Gen¬ 
erals or Admirals who had received the 
higher decoration of the Order of St. Maurice 
and St. Lazarus, and the smaller, 39 mm., 
for officers who had received the lower grades 
of the same Order. The ribbon is green, the 
same as for the Order. 

ROYAL MILITARY ORDER OF SAVOY. 
Founded at Genoa, on August 14, 1815, by 
Victor Emmanuel I (1759-1824). Its pur¬ 
pose was to reward acts of valour and 
magnanimity. The Order was modified on 
September 28, 1855, by Victor Emmanuel 
II, later king of Italy, who also changed the 


AND MONOGRAPHS 








36 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


decoration to the present form. There are 
five classes: Knights of the Grand Cross, 
Grand Officers, Commanders, Officers and 
Chevaliers. The cross, which is white- 
enamelled with curvilinear tips, is edged with 
gold. It rests upon a wreath of laurel 
leaves. On the red background of the medal¬ 
lion is the white cross of Savoy, around 
which on a circular band are the words AL 
M ER 1 TO MI LI T A RE. The reverse medal¬ 
lion of red enamel has two crossed swords, 
points up, above which is the date 1855, and 
on either side, the initials V. E. The cross 
of the first three classes is surmounted by 
a Royal crown, that of the fourth class by a 
trophy of flags and arms, while the fifth class 
cross has but the suspension ring. The ribbon 
is blue moire, with a red band in the centre. 

The star, which is of silver, has eight rays; 
in the centre is a duplication of the obverse of 
the decoration, without the crown. Prior 
to 1855, the star or plaque bore the motto 
AL MERITO ED AL VALORE. 

CIVIL ORDER OF SAVOY. Founded at 
Turin, on October 29, 1831, by Charles 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 








ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. VII 



Italy (savoy) 
Military Order of Savoy 


38 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


Albert (1798-1849), King of Sardinia and 
Savoy. During most of his reign of eighteen 
years, he was at war with Austria. Follow¬ 
ing the revolution of 1848 in France, he 
began war for the Independence of Italy 
but was compelled to abdicate in 1849 after 
his defeat by the Austrians at Novara. The 
object of the Order was to rewaid ‘those of 
other professions, not less useful than that of 
the army, who have become through long and 
profound study the ornaments of the State to 
which they have rendered important service.’ 

There is but one class to the Order, known 
as Knights, and it is seldom conferred on 
foreigners. The decoration is a light blue 
Savoy cross edged with gold. The medallion 
on the obverse is white with a gold rim; in 
the centre are the intials of the founder, 

C. A. The reverse has AL MERITO 
CIVILE 1831 , in gold lettering on a white 
field, on the centre medallion. The moire 
ribbon is of three equal stripes—light blue 
with white either side. 

ORDER OF THE CROWN OF ITALY. 
Created on February 20, 1868, by Victor 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. VIII 



Italy (savoy) 
Civil Order of Savoy 














40 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


Emmanuel II (1820-1878), the first King of 
United Italy, to commemorate the annexa¬ 
tion of Venice to that kingdom. This is 
sometimes called the Order of the Iron 
Crown. Doubtless the origin of the name 
arose from the fact that at the coronation 
of Agilif, King of the Lombards (592-615), 
a crown was used, composed of gold and 
precious stones, inset with a band of iron 
which was said to have been forged from a 
nail of the true Cross. Tradition says that 
this crown was kept in the Cathedral of 
Monza and removed to Mantua in 1859. 
When Napoleon I became King of Italy in 
1805, it is said he was crowned with this 
crown. The Order of the Iron Crown of 
Italy, founded by Napoleon I in 1805, was 
abolished in 1814, although revived in 
Austria in 1816 by Francis I as the Austrian 
Order of the Iron Crown. 

The first distribution of the Order of 
the Crown of Italy, as founded by King 
Victor Emmanuel II, occurred on April 
22, 1868, when the heir-apparent, Humbert, 
married Princess Marguerite of Savoy. 
There are five classes of the Order—Grand 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 












ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. IX 



Italy 

Order of the Crown of Italy 






42 

ITALIAN ORMRS AND 


Cordons, Grand Officers, Commanders, 
Officers and Knights. The grade of Knight 
or Chevalier is frequently conferred on 
foreigners. The insignia is a white-enam¬ 
elled cross-pattee edged with gold, and 
convex, with knots of gold cord connecting 
the arms. In the blue-enamelled medallion 
is a gold crown. On the reverse medallion 
is the crowned eagle of Savoy. On its 
breast is a red shield, bearing the white cross 
of Savoy. The ribbon is of red with a white 
stripe in the centre. The star of the order, 
for the highest grade, is of eight silver rays, 
on the centre of which is a gold crown on 
blue field, encircled by a white band, in¬ 
scribed VICTORIUS EMMANUEL II 
REX I TALI A E MDCCCLXVI. This device 
is surmounted by a crowned eagle bearing the 
Arms of Savoy on its breast. The star of the 
Grand Officer is an eight-pointed silver star, 
on which is a reproduction of the Cross. 

ORDER OF INDUSTRY. By a decree of 
May 9, 1901, Victor Emmanuel III created 
a Decoration called the “Cavalieri del 
Lavoro” (Knights of Industry). It is 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 










MEDALS OF HONOUR 

43 

awarded to those prominent or proficient in 
the Industrial, Commercial or Agricultural 
work of the Kingdom or of its Colonies. 
The decoration consists of a green-enamelled 
Savoy cross, edged with gold. On the 
obverse is a white medallion, bearing the 
words AL MERITO/DEL/LAVORO/1901 
The reverse medallion bears the initials of the 
founder, V. E., in gold on a white field. The rib¬ 
bon is dark green with a red stripe in the cen¬ 
tre. There is but one class to this order, and its 
award carries with it no particular privileges. 

COLONIAL ORDER OF THE STAR OF 
ITALY. Founded in 1911 by King Victor 
Emmanuel III. Its purpose was to reward 
those deserving of especial recognition who 
were prominent in the work of the Colonies. 
There are five classes to the Order: Knights 
of the Grand Cross, Grand Officers, Com¬ 
manders, Officers and Chevaliers. The 
decoration consists of a white-enamelled 
star of five points, edged with gold and ball- 
tipped. On the obverse medallion of red, 
is the gold monogram (V. E.) of the founder, 
with crown above. A green-enamelled circle 


AND MONOGRAPHS 







44 


ITALIAN ORDERS 


has at the bottom of it 1911. On the 
reverse red medallion are the words AL/ ; 
MERI TO /COLO NI ALE in gold letters. 
The ribbon is red, with narrow white and 
green bands on either side. All grades of 
the star have a crown above, except that of 
Chevalier, which is plain. The plaque, j 
which is worn by the first and second classes 
only, consists of thirty-five silver rays, on 
which is the uncrowned star described above. 

MILITARY CROSS FOR SERVICE. 
On November 8, 1900, Victor Emmanuel 
III authorized a cross for long and faithful 
service, called the “Croce per anzianita di 
servizio Militare.” It is of gold for Officers, 
and of silver for the troops. The decoration 
is a Maltese cross; on the obverse, a medallion 
bearing the Royal cipher V E crowned, and 
on the reverse Roman characters, denoting 
years of service —XXV for the Officers and 
XVI for the troops. If the officers have 
served forty years and the troops twenty-five 
years, the Roman characters vary accordingly, 
and the cross has a crown above. The ribbon is 
green, with a wide white stripe in the centre. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 













ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. X 



Italy 

Colonial Order of the Star of Italy 


46 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


MILITARY MEDAL OF VALOUR. As 
early as 1793, during the war between Pied¬ 
mont and France, Victor Amadeus III, 
King of Sardinia (1727-1796), created a 
Medal of Valour. This was awarded for 
individual acts of bravery, and was struck 
in gold and in silver. Victor Emmanuel I 
revived the award in 1815, at the time of the 
downfall of Napoleon I, but abolished it in 
August of that year when he created the 
Military Order of Savoy. When Charles 
Albert was King of Sardinia and Savoy, 
he reinstituted the medal in 1833, for acts 
of valour not sufficiently important to war¬ 
rant the Military Order of Savoy. From the 
time of its inception to 1887, it was always 
awarded in gold or silver, but in that year 
Humbert I decreed that a bronze medal 
should be given for acts of valour of a lesser 
degree. This medal ranks in Italy almost 
as highly as does the Victoria Cross in Great 
Britain or the Medal of Honour in this 
country. It is frequently called the Sar¬ 
dinian Medal of Valour. The earliest model 
was 38 mm. in diameter, having on the 
obverse the bust of the king facing to the 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XI 



Italy (savoy) 
Military Medal of Valour 






48 


IT A 


LI A 


N ORDERS AND 


right and the words VITTORIO AMADEUS 
III. The reverse had a wreath of oak leaves, 
within this is a trophy of arms and flags and 


the words AL V A LORE. About the time 
of the Crimean war, the design was changed. 
The size was reduced to 33 mm. The 
obverse has the Arms of Savoy, surmounted 
by a crown in an oval. Below are a palm 
and laurel branch, tied at base with a ribbon; 


and around the whole, the words AL V A LO¬ 
RE MI LI TARE. The reverse has two laurel 
branches tied with a ribbon, with a space 
in the centre for the recipient’s name. The 
name of his campaign is placed on the outer 
edge. The ribbon has always been a dark 
blue moire. Victor Emmanuel II caused a 
number of these medals, in both gold and 
silver, to be given to the British and French 
troops who took part in the Crimean war. 
Two of these are in my collection, and have 
been awarded to Frenchmen. The reverse 
has the name and title of the recipient en¬ 
graved at the centre, while around the outer 
edge of one are the words SPEDIZIONE 
D’ORIENTE 1855-1856, in relief. The 
second specimen has the same words en- 




NUMISMATIC NOTES 















MEDALS OF HONOUR 

49 

graved. The Musee de VArm'ee of Paris has 
a medal with the recipient’s name engraved 
and GUERRE DTTALIE 1859 in relief. 
This was for the war with Austria. Another 
has in relief CAMP A GNA DELLA BASS A 
ITALIA 1860-1861 . Mr. C. S. Gifford, of 
Boston, has in his collection a variant of 
this Medal of Valour. It is but 25 mm. in 
diameter. The reverse has around the edge, 
outside the wreath, in relief , the words 
GUERRA CONTRA VIMPERO D’AUS¬ 
TRIA. 

Many of these medals have been awarded 
to the men of other countries who have 
assisted Italy in her campaigns. It was a 
Military Medal of Valour, of gold, which 
General Diaz placed upon the grave of the un¬ 
known American soldier at Arlington on Nov¬ 
ember 11,1921, by order of the King of Italy. 

CIVIL MEDAL OF VALOUR. Au¬ 
thorized by King Victor Emmanuel II on 
April 3, 1851. It was given in gold, silver 
and bronze. Under a decree of April 29, 
1888, Humbert I authorized a bronze medal 
also. These are awarded to civilians for per- 


AND MONOGRAPHS 








50 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


sonal acts of courage and valour, such as 
rescues at fires and at sea. The medal is 
34 mm. in diameter, bearing on the obverse 
the Arms of Savoy in an escutcheon, with a 
Royal crown above. Around this at the 
top are the words AL VALORE CIVILE. 
The reverse has a wreath of oak leaves, with 
space in the centre for the recipient’s name. 
The writer’s medal is engraved D’ONOFRIO 
GIO. ANTONIO CERVINARA (AVEL- 
LINO) 22 XBRE. 1868. The ribbon for this 
medal is of the Italian National colours. 
Three equal stripes—red, white and green. 

NAVAL MEDAL OF VALOUR. Insti¬ 
tuted in March, 1836; modified in 1847, and 
again by Victor Emmanuel II in i860, to 
reward the men of the Navy for heroism. 
In 1888, Humbert I established three grades, 
gold, silver and bronze, according to the 
character of the award. The obverse bears 
the Arms of Savoy on a shield, with a crown 
above, and encircled by a palm and laurel 
branch tied at the bottom; and round the 
outer edge is the motto AL VALORE DI 
MARINA. On the reverse is an oak 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 







MEDALS OF HONOUR 

51 

wreath (less full than that of the Military 
medal of Valour) with a reserve in the 
centre for the name of recipient and mention 
of the act for which the medal is awarded. 
The ribbon is dark blue moire, with one wide 
and one narrow white stripe at each side. 

MEDAL OF MERIT FOR PUBLIC 
SAFETY. This decoration was first insti¬ 
tuted on September 13, 1854, by Victor 
Emmanuel II and was called “La Medaglia 
di Benemerenza per i Benemeriti della 
salute pubblica” Its purpose was to reward 
the services of volunteers in epidemics of 
contagious diseases and those who took part 
in other ways beneficial to the health and 
safety of the public. 

It is given in gold, silver and bronze. 
On the obverse is a bust of the King to left, 
around which is inscribed UMBERTO I 
RE D'IT ALIA. On the reverse are oak 
and laurel branches, surrounded by the words 
SALUTIS PUBLICAE BENEMERENTI- 
BUS. A reserve at the centre is left for the 
name of the recipient. On the earlier 
models the bust and title of Victor Emmanuel 


AND MONOGRAPHS 









52 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


II appeared on the obverse, and the reverse 
motto read AI BEN EMERITI DELLA 
SALUTE PUBBLICA . The ribbon is light 
blue, edged with black. 

MEDAL FOR VETERANS GUARDING 
THE TOMB OF THE KINGS. This medal 
was authorized on July 14, 1879, and altered 
on January 1, 1880. It was established to 
honour the veterans of the war of 1848-1849 
who guarded the tomb of Victor Emmanuel 
II. It is 30 mm. in diameter and of silver. 
The ribbon is blue with a white stripe in the 
centre, with one edge green and the other 
red. The first model has on the obverse a 
wreath of laurel with a superimposed, five- 
pointed star bearing at the centre the bust 
of the King and the words UMBERTO 1° 
RE D’lTALIA; on the reverse, VETERAN! 
1848-49 / GUARDI A D’ONORE / ALLA 
TOMB A DEL RE / VITTORIO EMA- 
NUELEII. After the death of Humbert I, 
Victor Emmanuel III altered the medal. 
The obverse bore his own bust and title, and 
the reverse read / AI/VETERA Nl 1848-1870 
/GUARDIA D’ONORE / ALLE TOMBE 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XII 




Italy 

Veteran Guard of the Tomb of the Kings 





54 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


DI RE / VIT TO RIO EM AN UELE II / E 
UMBERTO I. A specimen of this design 
is in my collection. 

LIFE SAVING MEDAL. Authorized by 
Royal Decree on March 8 , 1888 . This 
decoration is awarded to those, not in the 
Navy, who have risked their lives to save 
others from drowning, or shipwreck, or for 
other forms ot personal valour at sea. It is 
issued by the Ministry of the Marine. The 
medal is in silver and in bronze only and is 
not to be worn on the person. The obverse 
bears the effigy of the King, facing left, and 
the inscription VITTORIO EMANUELE 
III RE D J IT ALIA. The reverse has two 
circles, one within the other; in the outer 
circle occur the words MIN1STERO DELLA 
MARIN A, while the inner one is left blank 
for the name of the recipient, the date and 
the statement regarding the occasion of the 
award. 

MEDAL OF MERIT. Authorized by a 
Decree of May 6, 1909. This medal was 
awarded to all persons, including many 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XIII 




Italy 

Medal of Merit 


56 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


foreigners, who from philanthropic or 
charitable motives went to the relief of the 
inhabitants of Sicily and Southern Calabria 
at the time of the earthquake of December 
28, 1908. It is 34 mm. in diameter, and 
was issued in gold, silver and bronze. The 
obverse bears the effigy of the King, facing 
left, and the words VITTORIO EMA- 
NUELE III. On the reverse, the inscription 
TERREMOTO / 28 DICEMBRE 1908 
/IN CALABRIA / E IN SICILIA, sur¬ 
rounded by a wreath of oak leaves. The 
ribbon is green with a white stripe on either 
side. A variation of this medal was issued, 
bearing on the obverse the bust of the king 
surrounded by the inscription VITTORIO 
EMANUELE III RE D’I TALI A. The 
reverse reads MEDAGLIA/COMMEMO- 
RA TI V A / TERREMOTO / C ALABRO 
SICULO/28 DICEMBRE /1908. The 
ribbon for this has 5 stripes, alternately 
white and green. 

The writer possesses an interesting medal, 
for the official issuance of which no authority 
has been found. It is of silver, 33 mm. in 
diameter. The obverse bears the head of 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






MEDALS OF HONOUR 


57 


the King of Sardinia and Savoy, facing left, 
with A CARLO ALBERTO at the sides. 
Under the bust, the letters S.J. (probably 
standing for Stephano Johnson). The 
reverse reads I VETERANI/ITALIANI 
/IN/PELLEGRINAGGIO /ALLA SUA 
TOMB A /A SUP ERG A . The ribbon is dark 
blue with a yellow stripe each side. It is 
believed that these medals were given to the 
veteran soldiers of Charles Albert who made 
the pilgrimage to his last resting place. 
The Abbey of Superga was founded by 
Victor Amadeus III near Turin. In its church 
rest the remains of the Princes of Savoy. 
Charles Albert (1789-1849) died at Oporto in 
1849. His body was buried on the heights of 
Superga. Italy later recognized his devotion, 
and pilgrims still journey to his tomb. 

CRI MEAN M EDAL. Italy was not back¬ 
ward in awarding what are commonly 
known as Campaign or Service Medals but 
which the Italian authorities style “Medaglie 
Commemorative.” That for the Crimean war 
was the first. It was authorized on October 
22, 1856, and was issued to the Piedmont 


AND MONOGRAPHS 












58 


ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


troops serving during that campaign under 
General La Marmora. The medal is of 
silver, 35 mm. in diameter. On the obverse 
appears the effigy of the King, facing left, 
and the inscription VITTORIO EM AN U ELE 
II. The reverse has in large letters, in 
relief, CRIMEA/1855-1856. The ribbon is 
light blue with a narrow gold edge. Some 
authorities assign a ribbon of the Italian 
National colours—red, white and green. 

MEDAL FOR THE LIBERATION OF 
SICILY. This medal was issued to com¬ 
memorate the dethronement of Ferdinand 
II and the union of the ancient Kingdom of 
Sicily with the Kingdom of Italy. As a 
result of that insurrection, Garibaldi with 
his thousand troops landed at Marsala, and 
in three weeks was master of Messina. The 
medal (30 mm.) is of silver and bronze. 
On the obverse is the bust of the king and 
the words VITTORIO EM AN U ELE; below 
the bust, the initials S.J., probably standing 
for Stephano Johnson, the maker. The re¬ 
verse is inscribed IT ALIA / E CASA DI 
SA VOIA / LIBERAZIONE DI / SICILIA 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 









MEDALS OF HONOUR 


59 


1860. The ribbon is red, with one white 
and one green edge. 

STAR OF THE THOUSAND. Here might 
appropriately be mentioned a unique dec¬ 
oration. On January 9, 1861, General Turr 
went to the island of Caprera to carry to 
that great Italian patriot, General Giuseppe 
Garibaldi (1807-1882), the Star of Honour 
which his famous thousand companions had 
offered him. It is a gold star of seven points, 
loosely set with diamonds. In the centre 
on a blue-enamelled field in letters of gold is 
ARTURO (a star which is said to protect 
any one with an ideal). On this is super¬ 
imposed a gold Trinacria, the emblem of 
Sicily. This is surrounded by an enamelled 
band of white, green and red, inscribed in 
letters of gold I MILLE AL LORO DUCE 
(The thousand to their chief). This was 
the only decoration which that great 
General consented to wear; and after his 
death at Caprera on June 2, 1882, the star 
was given by his sons to the Quirinal Museum 
in Rome where it may now be seen. 


AND MONOGRAPHS 









6o 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


MEDAL OF THE THOUSAND, or 
MARSALA MEDAL. Issued by the city 
of Palermo, and authorized by the Italian 
government in 1865. It was presented to 
the troops of Garibaldi who entered the City 
in i860, and is called LA MEDAGLIA DEI 
MILLE. The obverse has in the centre an 
eagle with raised wings, standing on a fillet 
inscribed S. P. Q. R. Around this are the 
words AI PRODI CUI FU DUCE GARI¬ 
BALDI (To the brave men who were led by 
Garibaldi). On the reverse within a wreath 
of laurel is IL MUNICIPIO/PALERMI- 
TANO / RI VENDICA TO / MDCCCLX. 
Around this, outside the wreath are the words 
MARSALA CALATAFIMI PALERMO. 
The medal was issued in silver and in bronze. 
The ribbon is bright red, with a gold stripe each 
side, and on the face of the ribbon is fastened 
a silver Trinacria , the emblem of Sicily. 

MEDAL OF ITALIAN INDEPENDENCE. 
This decoration was authorized in 1862. It 
is of silver, and 32 mm. in diameter. On the 
obverse is the head of the king, to left, 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XIV 



Italy 

Medal of the Thousand 


62 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


around which are the words VITTORIO 
EMANUELE II RE D’I TALI A The 
reverse depicts a standing female figure, 
symbolizing Italy, holding in her right hand 
a spear, and in the left, a shield with the 
Arms of Savoy. Around the whole is in¬ 
scribed GUERRE PER LTNDIPENDENZA 
E V UNIT A D’IT ALIA. The ribbon is 
composed of six narrow stripes of the 
National colours—green, white and red. 
Bars or barrets are issued in silver to be 
attached to the ribbon, as follows: 1848- 
1849 (war with Austria), 1855-1856 (Cri¬ 
mean War), 1859 (war with Austria), 1860- 
1861 (Garibaldi’s expedition in Sicily and 
the Campaign in central Italy), 1866 (war 
with Austria), 1867 (Campaign against 
Rome), and 1870 (Capture of Rome). 

MEDAL FOR UNITED ITALY. This 
medal was authorized in 1883. It is 32 mm. 
in size, and of silver and bronze. On the 
obverse is the effigy of the King and the 
words UMBERTO I RE D’lTALIA. On 
the reverse, within a laurel wreath the in¬ 
scription UNITA/D’ITALI A/1848-1870. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XV 



Italy 

Medal of Italian Independence 


ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XVI 



Italy 

Medal for United Italy 









MEDALS OF HONOUR 


65 


The ribbon has a broad green stripe with a 
white and a red stripe on both sides. 

Unlike the British campaign medals, few 
of the Italian medals are inscribed on the 
edges. The writer has a group of three 
medals, inscribed PHILIP FIGYELMESY 
COM ANDANTE USSERI UNGHERESI. 
These are for the Campaign of United Italy, 
Liberation of Sicily, and for Italian Inde¬ 
pendence. 


MEDAL FOR AFRICA. Created on 
November 3, 1894; sometimes called the 
“Medal for Abyssinia.” It was awarded to 
the forces of the Army and Navy which took 
part in the operations in Abyssinia, especially 
in that portion bordering on the Red Sea, 
called Eritrea. This included the campaign 
of 1887-1897 against Menelik II, who was 
the Negus of Abyssinia. The medal was 
issued in bronze, 32 mm., and bears on the 
obverse the crowned head of King Humbert 
I, facing right. On the reverse, within a 
laurel wreath, are the words CAMPAGNE 
D } AFRICA. The ribbon is red with blue 
borders. Silver bars, suitably inscribed, 


AND MONOGRAPHS 








66 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


were issued to the troops taking part in the 
following expeditions, viz: Campagna 1887- 
1888, Saati, Dogali Saganeiti, Keren, 
Asmara, Adua, Agordat (1890), Halat, 
Serobeti, Agordat (1893), Kassala, Halai, 
Coatit, Campagna 1895-1896 and Cam¬ 
pagna 1897. 

MEDAL FOR THE FAR EAST. Au¬ 
thorized on June 23, 1901, and also known 
as the “Medal for China/’ or the “Medal 
for the Boxer Uprising.” At the time of 
that unfortunate affair, when so many of 
the Nations went to the relief of their lega¬ 
tions at Pekin, Italy was among the first. 
To all those taking part in this expedition, 
and to those who remained as guardians of 
the territory until the end of the year 1901, 
this medal was given. It is of bronze, 
32 mm., and bears on the obverse the effigy 
of the King facing left and the words VIT- 
TORIO EMANUELE III RE D’lTALIA; 
on the reverse, within a wreath of laurel, 
CINA 1900 - 1901 . The ribbon is yellow, 
with four dark blue stripes. Another medal 
for China is exactly like the above, excepting 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 













ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XVII 



Italy 

Medal for Africa 







68 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


that the reverse bears the word CINA only. 
This was given to the troops and sailors 
who served in China from December 31, 
1901 to April 1, 1908. The ribbon is 
similar. 

MEDAL FOR THE TURKISH WAR OF 
1911 - 1912 . But a few years ago Italy and 
Turkey were fighting desperately for the 
control of Tripoli, a section of Northern 
Africa which had been under Turkish rule 
for several centuries. It was at this time 
that Germany all but precipitated a Euro¬ 
pean war by insisting upon certain methods 
of settlement. Fortunately conflict was 
averted by the treaty of Lausanne. To 
commemorate the triumph over Turkey and 
to honor those engaged there, a silver medal 
of 32 mm. was authorized on November 21, 
1912. The medal was issued to all men of 
the Army and Navy who took part in the 
operations against the Ottoman Empire, 
whether in Africa or in Turkish territory. 
On the obverse of the medal is the head of 
the King, facing right, and the inscription, 
VITTORIO EM A N V ELE. III. RE 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






Pl. XVI 11 



Italy 
War Cross 




70 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


D* I TALI A. On the reverse, within a 
wreath of laurel, the words GUERRA / 
ITALO-TURCA,/ 1911 - 1912 . The ribbon is 
of six narrow blue and five narrow red stripes 
of equal width. 

MEDAL FOR THE WAR IN LIBYA. 
The treaty of Lausanne did not stop all war 
operations on the part of Italy. The tribes 
of the newly acquired Colonial possessions 
continued to make trouble. To reward the 
troops taking part in such campaigns, a 
silver medal of 32 mm. was authorized on 
September 6, 1913. This was identical with 
the Turkish war medal, except that the re¬ 
verse bears the words GUERRA/IN LIBIA. 
The ribbon is of the same design and colour. 

WAR CROSS OF ITALY. Authorized in 
1918. It was awarded to those worthy of 
official recognition during the World War, 
but whose service was not of sufficient im¬ 
portance to warrant the Medal of Military 
Valour. The Decoration is of bronze, 38 
mm., in the form of the Savoy Cross. On 
the obverse is inscribed MER 1 T 0 Dl 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 











ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XIX 



Italy 

Medal for the World War 


72 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


GUERRA , above which is the King’s 
crowned monogram, V. E. and III. On the 
lower arm of the cross is an upright sword 
entwined with a branch of oak. The 
reverse has a. star in the centre surrounded 
by rays. The ribbon is dark blue with 
two white stripes. 

MEDAL FOR THE WORLD WAR. 
Created on July 29, 1920 and made from 
captured Austrian cannon. It is bronze, 
32 mm. On the obverse appears the hel- 
meted bust of the King, encircled by the 
inscription, GUERRA PER V UNIT A 
D' I TALI A 1915-1918 and three branches of 
oak leaves. The reverse has an allegorical 
figure of Victory, standing on a support 
borne by two helmeted soldiers, and the 
inscription CONIT A NEL BRONZE N E- 
MICO (Coined from enemy bronze). The 
ribbon has eighteen narrow stripes of green, 
white and red—six of each colour. Bars 
were issued to be worn on the ribbon to 
designate the years of service in the war. 
These bear the dates of 1915 , 1916,1917 and 
1918 . 


NUMIS M ATIC NOTES 










ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XX 



Italy 

Medal of National Gratitude 





74 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


VICTORY MEDAL. Created on De¬ 
cember 16, 1920, but not issued until 1922. 
The medal is bronze, 36 mm. As with the 
Victory medals of the other allies, the winged 
Victory is the dominant feature. This 
figure stands facing on a triumphal chariot 
drawn by four lions. The reverse shows a 
tripod above which two doves of peace are to 
be seen. At top the inscription GRANDE- 
G VERRA-PER-LA-Cl VILTA . In field, at 
each side of tripod MCMXIV-MCMXVIII, 
below, in two lines, AI COMBATTENTI 
BELLE NAZIONI/ALLEA TE ED ASSO¬ 
CIATE. The badge is suspended by the 
rainbow ribbon as are all the Victory 
medals. 

MEDAL OF NATIONAL GRATITUDE. 
This medal is awarded to mothers who lost 
sons in the World War. The obverse shows 
an allegorical figure presenting a wreath to 
a fallen warrior. Standing alongside is 
another female in an attitude of grief. The 
reverse has an inscription in eight lines 
IL FIGLIO / CHE TI NACQUE / DAL 
DOLORE / TI RINASCE “0 BEAT A” / 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 







ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XXI 



Italy 

Victory Medal 






7 6 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


NELLA GLORIA / E IL VIVO EROE / 
“PIENA DI GRAZIA” / E PECO. The 
ribbon is grey with center composed of 
narrow green, white and red stripes. 


MEDAL FOR WAR ORPHANS. This 
medal has also been authorized but no 
information has been received concerning it. 


ITALIAN UNITY MEDAL. This medal 
has not as yet been distributed and details 
concerning it are lacking. It is to be sold 
and the money received is to go to the widows 
and mothers of those killed in the war. 


MEDAL FOR WAR VOLUNTEERS, 
Notice has been received that a medal will 
be issued shortly to those who volunteered 
in the World War. 


CROWN OF MERIT. At this writing, 
and before any confirmation could be secured, 
advices have come that the Councils of 
Ministers have proposed a decoration to be 
awarded to clerks and workingmen who have 
remained faithful to their employers for 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 








MEDALS OF HONOUR 

77 

twenty-five years or more. Presumably this 
medal is intended to stimulate a spirit of co¬ 
operation between the employed and em¬ 
ployer. No decision as to the design has 
been announced. 

Several of the municipalities of Northern 
Italy issued medals to honor those who aided 
in the efforts to free that country during the 
strenuous days of 1848-1849. None of 
these medals of the cities are official medals, 
and consequently few if any of the authori¬ 
ties mention them. They are inserted here 
in order that the numismatist may have 
some facts relating to them. 

Como had a medal inscribed on the ob¬ 
verse, COMO LIBERATA NELLE GLORI- 
OSE GIORNATE 18-22 MARZO 1848 . 
The reverse bears the Arms of the city and 
the words AL VALORE DEL CITTADINO. 

Bologna issued a medal inscribed VIT¬ 
TORIO BOLOGNA 8 ./ 8 . 1848 . On the re¬ 
verse, QUANDA IL POPOLO SI DESTA 
DIO SI PONE ALLA SUA TESTA. 

Livorno’s medal bears on the obverse 
AI V A LOROSI DIFENSORI DI LIVORNO 
10 E 11/5 18 49. The reverse bears the 


AND MONOGRAPHS 







78 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


Arms of the State and the words MUNICI- 
PIO DI LIVORNO. The ribbons for the 
above medals are red and white. 

Milano likewise had a medal to show her 
appreciation of the efforts of her citizens for 
freedom. It bears on the obverse a figure 
of Victory and the dome of the Cathedral. 
The reverse has the Arms of the State and 
the inscription COMMUNE DI MILANO. 
The ribbon is red and yellow. 

Cadore, Vicenza and Brescia are also said 
to have issued medals, but a dependable 
description has not been obtainable. 

During the war of 1848-1849 against 
Austria, and the several Principalities of 
which Italy is now composed, Rome, too, 
became involved. At the time of the 
Insurrection of 1848, Pope Pius IX fled to 
Gaeta, where he remained until 1850. On 
February 9, 1849, Rome was declared a 
Republic. To those who took part in the 
Insurrection, and who aided in the formation 
of the short-lived Republic, as well as for 
connection with subsequent events, Rome 
awarded several medals. As with the others, 
authentic information is difficult to obtain. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 








MEDALS OF HONOUR 

79 

MEDAL OF MERIT. Issued for the 
battle of Vicenza on June io, 1848. This 
medal was of both silver and bronze, and 
30 mm. in diameter. On the obverse within 
a wreath of oak leaves, the Arms of the city 
of Rome—a crowned shield, bearing the 
letters S. P. Q. R. (Senatus Populus que 
jRoman us —The Senate and the people of 
Rome). Around this device is the inscription 
ALMAE VRBIS COSS BENEMERENTI. 
On a plain reverse is the motto, P VGNA 
STRENVE / AD VICETIAM/PVGNA TA 
/ IV.EIDVS VINIAS / M.DCCC. XL VIII. 
The ribbon is of equal stripes of magenta 
and yellow—the colours of Rome. 

MEDAL OF MERIT (Rome). Issued in 
silver and bronze. The obverse has in the 
centre, the she-wolf with Romulus and 
Remus. Around this is BENEMERITO 
DELLA PATRIA, with an oak and olive 
branch beneath. The reverse has in the 
centre a group of flags and a trophy of arms, 
surrounded by the inscription INDIPEN- 
DENZA ITALIAN A 1848 . The ribbon is 
similar to the preceding. 


AND MONOGRAPHS 







8o 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


MEDAL OF MERIT. Struck in silver 
and bronze, and is said to have been issued 
by the Republic of Rome to those who dis¬ 
tinguished themselves during the Insurrec¬ 
tion of 1848. It is 30 mm., and has on the 
obverse the she-wolf with Romulus and 
Remus, standing on a pedestal, bearing the 
letteis S. P. Q. R . The reverse reads AL 
MERITO, surrounded by an oak wreath. 
The ribbon is magenta and yellow. 

Another medal is described by one au¬ 
thority as a reward to the combatants of 
1848. It is 23 mm., bronze, and bears on 
the obverse an allegorical female figure, 
holding a spear in her right hand and a 
cornucopia in her left. At her feet is a 
globe surmounted by an eagle. Above is a 
rayed .star. On the edge is inscribed 
REPUBLIC A ROM AN A. On the reverse 
is the motto ALLA VIRTU CITTADINA 
within an oak wreath. This is surrounded 
by the inscription LA P ATRIA RICONO- 
SCENTE. No ribbon is described. 

According to Padiglione still another 
Medal of Merit was issued in commemora¬ 
tion of September 20, 1870, when Rome was 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 







ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XXII 



Rome. Battle of Vicenza 
Rome. Medal of Merit 


82 


ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


admitted into the Kingdom of Italy. Scul- 
fort, a French writer, says this medal was 
given to commemorate the proclamation of 
the Republic of Rome in 1848; although 
preference is here given to the Italian 
authority’s version. The medal was issued 
in silver and bronze, 30 mm. in diameter. 
On the obverse is a shield bearing the Arms 
of the City, surmounted by the she-wolf 
with Romulus and Remus. This device 
rests upon two crossed battle axes and an 
oak wreath. The reverse bears within an 
oak wreath ROMA /RIVENDICA TA ,/AI 
SUOI/LIBERATORI, surmounted by a 
star. The ribbon has narrow alternating 
stripes of magenta and yellow. Some rib¬ 
bons have nineteen stripes; others have 
eleven. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 












MEDALS OF HONOUR 

83 

THE TWO SICILIES 

Even more so than with Italy proper, 
Sicily has been a battle-ground from the 
earliest times. And this condition, as is 
usually the case, has made the numismatics 
of Sicily of great importance. Before the 
period of coinage, the Sikels dwelt in the 
land. Later the Carthaginians disputed 
with the Greeks for its control, both yielding 
ultimately to the Romans. In addition to 
the struggles between the Normans and the 
Spaniards for its possession, it had to with¬ 
stand the onslaught of the Saracens. 

Sicily, especially in the mediaeval period, 
has shared the fate of the kingdom of 
Naples, or, as they came to be known, the 
Kingdom of the two Sicilies—a title which 
in itself is a commentary of the relative 
importance of Naples. After the Lombard 
rule in the nth century, the Normans,under 
Count Roger, brought about a consolidation 
of Naples and Sicily. The conquest dates 
from 1130 A.D., when he assumed the title 


AND MONOGRAPHS 







8 4 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


of King of Naples and Sicily. There were 
two periods of separation—1282 to 1442 
and 1458 to 1504, but after the last-named 
year the two kingdoms remained under one 
crown until the unification of Italy in 1861. 

It is unnecessary here to dwell upon the 
constantly changing rule for the two king¬ 
doms more than to mention the conflict 
between the House of Anjou and of Aragon 
through the 14th and 15th centuries. Under 
Charles VIII (from 1494), the French ruled, 
while between 1504 and 1707 the Spanish 
were in control. They were followed by 
the Austrians (until 1720). After that 
date Spanish Bourbons held possession. 

The Napoleonic rule on the mainland 
dates from 1805, while Ferdinand IV con¬ 
trolled the island of Sicily. The downfall 
of Napoleon at Waterloo saw the two 
kingdoms again united under the Bourbons. 
The wars for the independence of Italy, and 
the efforts of Garibaldi in 1859 and i860, 
finally brought both sections into the 
Kingdom of Italy and under the rule of the 
house of Savoy. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






M EDALS OF HONOUR 

85 

ORDER OF THE SHIP. In 1269, St. 
Louis founded in France the Order of the 
Ship or of the Double Crescent. Upon his 
death in 1270, his brother, Charles d’Anjou, 
established this order in the Kingdom of 
Naples. Owing to the design of the collar, 
this order is sometimes given a third name— 
The Order of the Sea Shell. The insignia was 
a gold collar of scallop shells, alternating with 
double crescents. From this was suspended a 
medal with a ship as its design. The motto 
is NON CREDO TEMPORI. Clark, an Eng¬ 
lish writer, describes an order founded in 1382 
by Charles III, King of Naples, called the 
“Order of St. Nicholas,” while Elias Ashmole 
styles it “The Order of the Argonauts of 
St. Nicholas.” Both give the motto as NON 
CREDO TEMPORE Apparently, therefore, 
this is a survival or a later form of the 
Order of the Double Crescent. 

ORDER OF THE CRESCENT. Favine 
states that this order was founded in An- 
giers, France, in 1464, by Rene, Duke of 
Anjou, King of Jerusalem and Sicily. 
Ashmole quotes St. Marthes as giving 1448 


AND MONOGRAPHS 








86 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


as the date for its foundation. Rene was 
unable to hold his island kingdom very long. 
The order was not popular, and those 
honoured with it were afraid to wear the 
badge. The insignia consisted of three gold 
chains from which is suspended a gold 
crescent, bearing three letters in red, L.O.Z., 
which signify, according to Favine, L’oz en 
croissant (Praise by increasing). To the 
crescent were attached gold tags indicating 
the battles and feats of honour in which the 
knights had been engaged. 2 

Aragon controlled the Island Kingdom of 
Sicily from 1282 to 1442. In 1351 Louis I, 
King of Sicily, founded the ORDER OF THE 
STAR to replace that of the CRESCENT 
MOON. This insignia was a Maltese 
cross, in the centre of which is an eight- 
pointed star. This Order seems to have 
been discontinued in 1394. Giustinian, the 
Italian writer in 1692, gives a list of eighteen 
Grand Masters of the Order of the Crescent 
Moon and of the Star from 1268 to 1667. 
This would seem to indicate that the Orders 
described above were connected or continued 
by the several rulers under different titles. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 







MEDALS OF HONOUR 

OO 

^4 

ORDER OF THE SPUR. Founded in 
1266 by Charles d’Anjou, King of Naples 
and Sicily, to commemorate his triumph over 
Manfred near Benevento. The insignia is 
a white-enamelled cross, each of the arms 
having double points. A spur is attached 
at the base. The Order was shortlived. 


ORDER OF THE KNOT OF NAPLES. 
Created in 1351 by Louis of Taranto when 
he married the Queen of Naples. This was 
also termed the “Order of the Holy Spirit 
of the Right Desire.” It ceased to exist 
after the death of the founder. The 
insignia is a knot of cord entwined with 
i gold thread. 


ORDER OF THE REEL AND LIONESS 
(Naples). This Order, of short duration, 
was instituted by partisans of the house of 
Anjou, during the troubles of 1386-1390. 
The insignia is a yarn reel and a lioness, the 
significance of which is difficult to learn. 
Clark, writing in 1784, states that the 
followers of Louis II, Duke of Anjou, were 
divided into two factions, one of which wore 


AND MONOGRAPHS 











88 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


on its arms an embroidered reel as a sign 
of contempt for Queen Margaret, widow of 
Charles III, who desired to hold the reins of 
government. This faction took the name 
of “Knights of the Reel.” The other, the 
Knights of the Lioness, wore on its breast 
the figure of a lioness with feet tied, indi¬ 
cating that it looked upon Queen Margaret 
as one tied by the leg. 

ORDER OF THE ERMINE (Naples). 
Founded in 1463, by Ferdinand I (1423- 
1494) Aragon, King of Naples, at the end 
of the war which he had been waging against 
John of Anjou, Duke of Calabria. He was 
led into this war by his brother-in-law, 
Marinus Marcianus, Duke of Sesso, who 
conspired to murder Ferdinand. Marinus 
Was not only pardoned for his treachery but 
was admitted into this Order. The motto 
was MALO MORI QUAM FOEDARI 
(Death is preferable to dishonor), and the 
patron was St. Basil. The badge is a gold 
ermine suspended from a gold chain. Au¬ 
thorities differ as to the exact date of both 
the creating and discontinuance of this Order. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 











MEDALS OF HONOUR 

89 

ORDER OF THE GRIFFIN (Naples). 
Attributed to Alphonse by Perrot and by 
De Genouillac. The date of its founding is 
given as 1489. As Alphonse died in 1458 and 
was succeeded by his son, Ferdinand I, who 
reigned until 1494, it may, therefore, have 
been instituted by Ferdinand. No descrip¬ 
tion of the insignia can be found. 

ORDER OF SAINT MICHAEL (Naples). 
This Order is likewise attributed to Ferdi¬ 
nand I, and the insignia is described by 
Ashmole as an oval, bearing the word 
DECORUM . No other record has been 
found. 

ORDER OF SAINT JANUARIUS (of the 
Two Sicilies). Founded on July 6, 1738, by 
King Charles of Sicily (1716-1788), to cele¬ 
brate his marriage with Princess Amelia, 
daughter of Augustus III of Poland. Charles 
was of the Spanish Bourbons, and second 
son of Philip V. His army had conquered 
Sicily, and he became its King in 1735 at 
the age of eighteen, having previously borne 
the titles of Duke of Parma and Grand-Duke 


AND MONOGRAPHS 







90 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


of Tuscany. In 1759 he became Charles 
III of Spain, at which time he resigned his 
Neapolitan and Sicilian Kingdom in favor 
of his son, Ferdinand. Charles formed the 
Noble Order of the Immaculate Conception 
of the Virgin Mary, often also called “The 
Order of Charles III of Spain.” It was he 
who, as King of Spain, joined France in 
sending assistance to the American Colonies 
in their war of Independence. At the Peace 
Treaty following that conflict, he recovered 
Florida for Spain from England, to whom it 
had been ceded in 1763. 

Saint Januarius (San Genaro), for whom 
this Order is named, was the Patron Saint 
of Naples. Relics of this Saint, to whom 
miraculous cures are attributed, are pre¬ 
served in the cathedral named for him in 
that city. When the French invaded 
Naples in 1806, the Order was abolished in 
that country, though it continued in Sicily, 
whither Ferdinand had fled. It was revived 
after 1814. At the present time it is classed 
among the non-active Orders of Italy. 
There are two classes: Knights and Honor¬ 
ary Knights. The badge of the Order is a 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 








ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XXIII 



Two Sicilies 
Order of Saint Januarius 



ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


gold Maltese cross, enamelled red with 
white edges; gold Bourbon lilies in the 
angles. The obverse centre has a figure of 
the patron saint, San Genaro, clad in a red 
robe and hat, with an open book in the left 
hand. The reverse shows an open book and 
two receptacles partly filled with the mirac¬ 
ulous blood of this martyr. The ribbon is 
bright red. The plaque is of silver, the same 
design as the cross, and bears the words 
IN SANGUINE FOEDUS (the Covenant 
in Blood). 

ROYAL MILITARY ORDER OF SAINT 
CHARLES. Instituted by Royal Decree of 
October 22, 1738, by King Charles, its 
purpose was to reward citizens and members 
of the army and navy who had shown 
exceptional zeal and fidelity to the crown. 
This Order supposedly never received the 
Apostolic confirmation of the Pope, and 
according to an Italian writer, Ruo, was 
shortlived, all record of its existence having 
been lost when Charles, its founder, assumed 
the throne of Spain in 1759. 

The decoration is a four-armed cross, each 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 













MEDALS OF HONOUR 

93 

arm terminating in the form of a lily, and 
the whole surmounted by a royal crown. 
The centre medallion bears the image of 
Saint Charles. No description of the 
reverse is given. The ribbon is violet. 

ORDER OF SAINT FERDINAND and 
OF MERIT. Founded on April i, 1800 by 
Ferdinand IV, King of Naples (also Ferdi¬ 
nand III of Sicily and I of the Two Sicilies). 
It was instituted in commemoration of his 
having been restored to his Kingdom after 
the defeat of the French by the united 
forces of England, Austria, Russia and 

I Turkey. The object of the Order was to 
reward the Neapolitans who had remained 
faithful to the King and his monarchy. 
Lord Nelson, Duke of Bronte, was one of 
the first foreigners to have this Order 
bestowed upon him. He was made a 
Knight of the Grand Cross. Like the Order 
of Saint Januarius, this was suppressed in 
Naples when the French under Joseph 
Bonaparte controlled that country. It was 
continued in Sicily until 1814 but is said to 
have been definitely abolished in i860. 


AND MONOGRAPHS 












94 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


There were three classes: Knights of the 
Grand Cross, Commanders and Chevaliers. 
The cross of this Order is a gold star of six 
branches, in the form of rays. In the angles 
are Bourbon lilies. The whole is surmounted 
by a crown of gold. The gold-centred 
medallion bears a figure of St. Ferdinand in 
Royal robes and crowned, holding a laurel 
wreath in the left and a sword in his 
right hand. The encircling blue-enamelled 
band is inscribed FI DEI ET MERITO. 
The reverse centre of gold is inscribed FERD. 
IV. INST. ANNO 1800 . The plaque of the 
Order is similar to the obverse of the cross, 
without the crown. A dark blue ribbon with 
red edges is used for suspension of the cross. 

MEDAL OF HONOUR. By a decree of 
July 25, 1810, Ferdinand IV added a gold 
and silver Medal of Honour. This was 
33 mm. in diameter, with the obverse similar 
to the cross. The reverse was inscribed 
FI DEI ET MERITO. This was worn with 
a similar ribbon. Officers and privates of 
the Army and Navy were awarded this 
medal for distinguished services. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 













ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XXIV 



Two Sicilies 
Medal of Honour 


96 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


MEDAL OF MERIT FOR LOMBARDY. 
Ferdinand IV instituted a medal of silver 
for the Neapolitan troops who assisted him 
in the campaign in Lombardy against the 
French in 1796. This was 38 mm., bearing 
on the obverse the helmeted effigy of the 
king and the title, FERDIN. IV UTRI 
SICILIAE REX P.F.A. ( P-Pio , devout, 

F-Forte, brave, A-Augusto , august). On the 
reverse, within a laurel wreath, FI DEI/ 
REGIAE DOM US / PA TRIAE / PROPUG- 
NA TORI /OB / EG REGIA FACTA . In the 
exergue, E. V.A/MDCCXC VI. 

MEDAL OF MERIT FOR SIENA. This 
medal was of gold and awarded by Ferdi¬ 
nand IV to the troops who distinguished 
themselves in the Siena campaign in 1797. 
On the obverse is the helmeted effigy of the 
king and his title FERDIN AN DUS IV 
UTRIUSQ. SICILIAE REX P.F.A. On 
the obverse is an allegorical figure of a 
woman crowning a soldier with a laurel 
wreath. Surrounding this, an inscription 
reads MI LI TIB US BENE DE REGE AC 
PATRIA MERIT 1 S. In the exergue is 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






MEDALS OF HONOUR 

97 

E. V.A./MDCCXC VII. The ribbon is blue 
and white, edged with narrower stripes of 
blue (Sculfort, p. 176). 

MEDAL OF HONOUR FOR THE SIEGE 
OF GAETA. When Napoleon I sent his 
brother Joseph Bonaparte to rule over the 
kingdom of Sicily, Ferdinand IV fled to 
Gaeta. This fortress was gallantly de¬ 
fended in 1806 against the French under 
Marechal Massena, but was finally forced to 
capitulate, and Ferdinand fled to the island 
of Sicily. To reward those who valiantly 
assisted him to hold his kingdom, Ferdinand 
IV instituted this Medal of Honour. It is 35 
mm., and was struck in both gold and silver, 
and is suspended from a deep red ribbon. 
The obverse of the medal has a bust of the 
king facing to right, the head wearing a 
helmet, laurel wreathed and surmounted by 
a dragon. The inscription is FERDI- 
NANDUS IV. D.G. SICILIARUM REX. 
The reverse has in the centre a view of the 
fortress of Gaeta, surrounded by the motto, 
MERITO ET FI DEI CAJETAE DEFEN - 
SO RUM 1806 . 


AND MONOGRAPHS 









98 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


ROYAL ORDER OF THE TWO SICI¬ 
LIES. Created on February 24, 1808, by 
Joseph Napoleon, when King > of Naples 

It was issued in three classes: Grand Officers, 
Commanders and Chevaliers. Joachim Mu¬ 
rat, when ruler, modified the Order in 1811; 
its purpose was to reward those who had 
assisted in the conquest of the country. 
The decoration is a red-enamelled star of 
five points, ball tipped and with gold edges. 
Above this is the Imperial eagle surmounted 
by a crown. In the centre medallion is the 
Arms of Sicily, a Trinacria or Triquetra, 
having a face in the centre. This me¬ 
dallion is surrounded by the title, JOS. NA- 
POLEO SICIL. REX INST 1 TUIT. The 
reverse medallion bears a prancing horse, 
the Arms of Naples, encircled by a blue- 
enamelled band inscribed PRO RENO V A TA 
PATRIA. The ribbon is dark blue with a 
red stripe in centre. 

Following the death of Murat on October 
13, 1815, the Kingdom was restored to 
Ferdinand IV, who changed the design of 
the above decoration. The star was at¬ 
tached to the surmounting crown by a lily 


N U M I S M ATIC NOTES 








MEDALS OF HONOUR 

99 

(replacing the eagle). The obverse medal¬ 
lion contained the Arms of Sicily and of 
Naples, surrounded by the inscription 
FERDINANDUS BORBONIUS UTRI- 
USQUE SICILIAE REX P.F.A. (Pio Forte 
Augusta). The reverse medallion had in 
the centre a Bourbon lily and the motto 
FELICITATE RESTITUTA X. KAL.JUN. 
1815 . The ribbon was changed to azure blue 
with a red stripe in the centre. This Order 
was finally abolished in 1819 and replaced by 
the “Order of Saint George of the Reunion.” 

MEDAL OF HONOUR FOR THE PRO¬ 
VINCIAL LEGION. On March 29, 1809, 
Joachim Murat, instituted this medal for 
the Provincial Legion. It is of silver and 
bronze, and bears on the obverse the effigy 
of the King, facing to left, encircled by 
the words GIOACCHINO NAPOL. RE 
DELLA DUE SICIL. On the reverse is a 
group of fourteen flags and a royal crown, 
the outer flags bearing, respectively, the 
words SICUREZZA/INTERNA. Around 
this device is the inscription ALLE LEGIONI 


AND MONOGRAPHS 










IOO 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


PROVINCIALI 26 MARZO 1809 . The 
ribbon is light blue moire. Ruo, the 
Italian writer, states that the inscription on 
the obverse is Gioacchino Napoleone, but the 
previous description is taken from a medal 
and various French authorities. 

MEDAL OF HONOUR FOR NAPLES. 
Murat authorized another Medal of Honour 
on November i, 1814, to reward the guard of 
Naples for its devotion to his cause. It is 
of gold and silver, in the form of a wreath of 
oak and laurel leaves, tied with a ribbon and 
surmounted by a crown. Superimposed 
on the wreath are two crossed flags, enam¬ 
elled in the colours of the kingdom. On 
the obverse centre medallion of white is the 
bust of the king, facing to left, and the title 
GIOACCHINO NAPOLEONE (or GIO¬ 
ACCHINO RE DI NAPOLI ). On the re¬ 
verse medallion are the words ONORE ET 
FEDELTA. The ribbon is magenta. The 
Medal for Civil Merit is similar to the above, 
except that the reverse is inscribed ONORE 
ET MERITO. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 












MEDALS OF HONOUR 

IOI 

MEDAL OF HONOUR. After the death 
of Murat at Pizzo, a medal of 38 mm. was 
authorized by Ferdinand IV. It was issued 
in gold and silver, and worn with a bright 
red ribbon. On the obverse is a crowned 
effigy of the restored king, facing to left, 
and the inscription FERDINANDUS IV 
UTRI USQUE SICILIA E REX P.F.A. 
The reverse has in the centre a large Bourbon 
lily, surrounded by the inscription OB 
EGREGIAM URBIS PITH FIDELITA- 
TEM. In the exergue, POSTRIDIE NO¬ 
NAS OCTOBRIS/ANNI R. S./MDCCCXV. 

MEDAL OF HONOUR (Sicily). By de¬ 
crees of August 9 and 30, 1816, bronze 
medals were authorized and awarded to 
soldiers and sailors who were faithful to the 
cause of Ferdinand IV. This is a green- 
enamelled Maltese cross with gold Bourbon 
lilies in each angle. The centre medallion 
bears the effigy of the king to right, and the 
words FERDINANDO IV INSTITUI 1816 . 
The reverse has in the centre a lily and the 
inscription CONSTANTE ATTACCA- 
MENTO. This was worn with a red ribbon. 


AND MONOGRAPHS 







102 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


SECURITY GUARD MEDAL. Created 
on May 30, 1816, and issued in gold and 
silver; it was worn with a Bourbon red rib¬ 
bon. The medal is surrounded by a wreath 
of oak leaves and surmounted by a crown, 
attached by laurel branches. On the 
obverse is the effigy of the king surrounded 
by the title FERDINANDO IV RE DELLE 
DUE SI Cl LIE P.F.A. The reverse bears 
a lily and the motto ALLA GUARDI A Dl 
SICUREZZA. In the exergue, PER LA 
GIORNATA DE 22 MAGGIO 1815 . 

ROYAL MILITARY ORDER OF SAINT 
GEORGE OF THE REUNION. This 
order was created on January 1, 1819, by 
Ferdinand IV. It commemorated the 
reunion of Naples and Sicily, and was 
awarded for valour, military distinction and 
loyalty. There are four classes: Knights of 
the Grand Cross, Commanders, Officers and 
Chevaliers, the decoration varying in size 
according to the grade. This Order was 
discontinued in i860, with the formation 
of the present Kingdom of Italy. The 
insignia is a red-enamelled cross, fleuree, with i 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 















ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XXV 



Two Sicilies 

Order of Saint George of the Reunion 


104 


ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


concave arms. Two gold swords cross at 
the angles, and a wreath of green-enamelled 
laurel connects the arms of the cross and 
the swords. The medallion bears a figure 
of Saint George slaying the dragon; around 
this is a blue-enamelled band inscribed IN 
HOC SIGNO VINCES. The reverse is the 
same, with the word VIRTUTI above. 
The ribbon is light blue moire. The decora¬ 
tion of the Knights of the Grand Cross is 
distinguished from the other grades by a 
gold pendant of St. George and the dragon. 
The Chevalier’s cross has no such pendant; 
and on the reverse is the word MERITO. 

MEDAL OF ST. GEORGE. In addition 
to the “Order of Saint George of the Re¬ 
union,” gold medals were awarded for 
heroism in war, and in silver for continued 
service. These are 28 mm., bearing in the 
centre the figure of St. George slaying the 
dragon, encircled by a wreath and the words 
VIRTUTI or MERITO according to the 
purpose of the award. The obverse and 
reverse are the same. The ribbon is blue 
with yellow edges. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 







MEDALS OF HONOUR 


105 


ORDER OF CONSTANTINE, (described 
on page 18). Instituted in Naples and 
Sicily by Don Carlos in 1734. Joseph 
Bonaparte abolished it in 1808, although it 
continued in the island of Sicily. Upon the 
return of Ferdinand IV to Naples in 1814, 
it was restored in both Kingdoms. 


ROYAL ORDER OF FRANCIS I. 
Francis I, upon the death of his father, 
Ferdinand IV, became King of the Two 
Sicilies on January 4, 1825. He was of the 
Neapolitan branch of the Bourbon family. 
On September 28, 1829, he founded the 
Royal Order of Francis I. Though usually 
conferred as a reward for Civil Merit, the 
army was not debarred from its honours. 
There are five classes: Grand Cross, Com¬ 
manders, Officers, Knights and Chevaliers. 
The fourth and fifth classes receive, re¬ 
spectively, the gold and silver medals, 
described later. This Order was discon¬ 
tinued in i860 when the Kingdom of the 
Two Sicilies became part of Italy, though, as 
a family Order, it was continued for a while 
longer. The decoration is a four-armed, 


AND MONOGRAPHS 










io6 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


double-pointed cross of white enamel with 
gold edges, surmounted by a gold crown. 
Bourbon lilies of gold are in each angle. 
The medallion is larger than in most of the 
other Orders. In the centre, on a field of 
gold, appear the initials of the founder, F.I., 
with crown above. These are surrounded 
by a laurel wreath of enamel. On the blue 
encircling band are the words, DE REGE 
OP TIME MERITO. The reverse bears the 
inscription FRANCISCUS PRIMUS IN- 
STITUIT MDCCCXXIX, within a green 
wreath. The ribbon is bright red with 
blue edges. The star or plaque of the order 
is a silver cross without the crown, and 
with the same centre medallion. 

The gold and silver medals, worn by the 
fourth and fifth classes, are 36 mm. in diam¬ 
eter, bearing on the obverse the portrait 
of the founder, within a laurel wreath, and 
the inscription FRANCISCUS I.D.G.UTRI¬ 
USQUE SICIL. ETHIER. REX. The reverse 
has three Bourbon lilies in the centre within a 
wreath, and the motto DE REGE OPTIME 
MERITO 1829 . The ribbon is dark red with 
blue edges; not as wide as that for the Cross. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XXVI 



Two Sicilies 
Order of Francis I 


io8 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


MEDAL OF CIVIL MERIT. Authorized 
by royal decree of December 17, 1727. It 
is of gold and silver and worn with a red 
ribbon. The obverse bears an effigy of the 
king, and the title FRANCISCUS I.D.G. 
REGNI UTRIUSQUE SICIL. ET HIER. 
REX. On the plain reverse is engraved 
the name, date and cause of award. A medal 
similar to this was awarded during the reign 
of Ferdinand II and may be found with 
either of the following inscriptions: FERDI- 
N AN DUS II REGNI UTRIUSQUE SI CI¬ 
LIA E ET HIERUS. or FERDINANDO II 
RE DEL REGNO DELLE DUE SICILIE. 

Another MEDAL OF CIVIL MERIT was 
issued, 44 mm. in size. On the obverse are 
busts of Francis I and Queen Maria Isabella, 
facing to right, surrounded by branches of 
laurel. On the reverse is a Bourbon lily, 
crowned. 

MEDAL FOR MESSINA. Francis I was 
succeeded in 1830 by his son, Ferdinand II, 
who died in 1859. Ferdinand II instituted 
the Medal for Messina for troops faithful 
to him, in that city, during the Revolution 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 

















MEDALS OF HONOUR 

109 

of 1847. It is of bronze, and 30 mm. On 
the obverse, within a wreath of oak and 
laurel leaves, is the word FEDELTA with 
one Bourbon lily. The reverse reads, 
MESSINA 1 SEPTEMBRE 1847 . The 
ribbon is light blue and white. A variant 
of this medal has on the obverse the effigy 
of the king and the words FERDINANDO 
II RE DEL REGNO DELLE DUE SICILIE; 
and on the reverse the word FEDELTA. 


LONG SERVICE MEDAL. Ferdinand 
II also created a bronze medal for Long 
Service. It is 38 mm. and bears on the 
obverse the king’s bust on a pedestal, 
surrounded by implements of war and flags. 
Above is FERDIN ANDO II. The reverse 
reads LODEVOLE SERVIZIO MI LI TARE 
DI 25 ANNI. The ribbon is red. 


MEDAL FOR THE SIEGE OF MES¬ 
SINA. After the long siege of the citadel 
of Messina in 1848 by Ferdinand II which 
resulted in his reconquest of Sicily, a com¬ 
memorative medal was authorized by the 
king. This was to reward the troops who 


AND MONOGRAPHS 










no 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


had taken part in the campaign. The 
medal for the senior officers was of gold and 
enamel, 35 mm. in diameter. On the 
obverse within a green-enamelled laurel 
wreath, is a pentagonal fort; in the corners 
are five bombs, the flames of which rest 
upon the wreath. In the centre is the 
fleur-de-lis of the Bourbons, in relief. The 
reverse is similar, except that in the centre 
of the pentagon is the legend, ASSEDIOJ 
DELLA 1 CITTADELLA / DI MESSINA / 
18 ^ 8 . The ribbon is red. For the junior 
officers and soldiers the medal was of bronze 
and of the same size, without enamel. 
Obverse and reverse are identical, and the 
medal was worn with a red ribbon. A variant 
of this medal has a plain reverse, no fort, or 
bombs, but with the same inscription in relief. 

MEDAL FOR SICILY. Created for the 
troops who, under the leadership of Filan- 
gieri, suppressed the Insurrection of 1848- 
1849. This is of bronze-gilt, and displays 
the effigy of Ferdinand II facing to right 
within a wreath of oak leaves. Outside, the 
wreath are two draped flags, the whole is 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 








ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. 



Two Sicilies 
Siege of Messina 

Long Service Medal, Ferdinand II 


112 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


surmounted by a Bourbon lily. The plain 
reverse has CAMPAGNA DI SICILIA 18 J/. 9 , 
in relief. The ribbon has three equal stripes 
of light blue and white. 

MEDAL FOR CAMPAIGN OF 1860 . 
Francis II came to the throne of Sicily in 
1859, about the time of the Garibaldi 
campaign for the Independence of Italy. 
His reign was short. The Medal for the 
Campaign of 1860 was created by him for 
those troops who were loyal to him and 
opposed to Garibaldi. It is bronze, 37 mm., 
and bears on the obverse the effigy of the 
king, facing to left, within a wreath of oak 
leaves. Surrounding this is FRANCESCO 
II RE DELLE DUE SI Cl LIE. The reverse 
bears the words, TRIFRISCO, CAIAZZO, 
S.MARIA,S. ANGELO, GARIGLIANO, sur¬ 
mounted by three Bourbon lilies. Around 
this inscription appear the words, CAM¬ 
PAGN A DI SETT. OTT. 1860 . The ribbon 
is red with a blue stripe in the centre. 

CAMPAIGN OF EASTERN SICILY. 
Authorized in i860. It bears on the obverse 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 







ITALIAN DECORATIONS Pl. XXVJ1I 




Two Sicilies 

Medal for Sicily, Ferdinand II 


1 14 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


the effigy of Francis II facing to right, and 
the words SICILIA OCCIDENT ALE/ 
APRILE E MAGGIO/1860. On the reverse, 
within a wreath of laurel, the words AL 

V A LORE. This is bronze, and 27 mm. in 
diameter. A variant of this medal was 
issued without the likeness of the king on 
the obverse. 

MEDAL FOR THE DEFENSE OF 
CATANIA. The obverse bears the effigy of 
Francis II, a trophy of arms, and the words 
CATANIA 31 MAGGIO 1860; the reverse, 
within a wreath of laurel, the words AL 

V A LORE. 

MEDAL FOR GAETA. Issued to the 
refugees who fled to Gaeta with the Royal 
family in 1860-61 when Garibaldi entered 
Naples. The medal is silver, 36 mm., 
having on the obverse the jugated busts of 
the King and Queen Maria Sophia of Bavaria 
and the words FRANCESCO II—MARIA 
SOFIA. The reverse shows a view of the 
city of Gaeta, with GAETA 1860-1861 in 
the exergue. A variation of this medal has 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 







ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XXIX 



Two Sicilies 

Medal for Gaeta, Francis II 





116 


ITALIAN ORDERS AND 



on the reverse the fortress of Gaeta only, 
with the same inscription in the exergue. 

After the Garibaldi campaign of 1860- 
1861 for the freedom of Sicily, and after the 
Royal family had given up the Kingdom of 
Sicily, Francis II by a decree dated March 
12, 1861, authorized medals for all his 
soldiers who took part in the second siege of 
Messina. It appears that dies were made 
but only one medal is known to have been 
struck. That rests in the famous Ricciardi 
collection in Naples. The writer is in¬ 
debted to Sig. Guido de’Mayo’s article in 
the May-June 1922 issue of Miscellanea 
Numismatica, which describes this medal. 

It is silver, 35 mm., and bears on the 
obverse the jugated busts of the King and 
Queen, facing to left (similar to the Gaeta 
Medal), and the titles, FRANCESCO II— 
MARIA SOFIA. The reverse has a design 
of the pentagonal fortress of Messina; in 
the corners of the pentagon are five bombs, 
the flames of which rest on the wreath which 
surrounds the fort. In the centre is the 
Bourbon fleur-de-lis. The exergue reads 
CITTADELLA DI MESSINA 1860-61. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 











MEDALS OF HONOUR 

117 

The ribbon is given as red with blue 
stripes. 

MEDAL FOR SICILY. This is said to 
have been awarded to those who took part 
in the uprising against Ferdinand II in 1848, 
in the movement for a United Italy, but the 
purpose of this award cannot be verified 
from the several authorities consulted. It 
was issued in silver and bronze, 30 mm., 
and suspended from a ribbon of the Italian 
National colours—three equal stripes of 
green, white and red. On the obverse is an 
allegorical figure of Sicily, armed with a 
sword; at her feet is a shield with the Arms of 
Sicily, while in the sky, a brilliant sun bears 
the Arms of Savoy. In the distance is Mt. 
Aetna in eruption. The reverse has in the 
centre SICILIA/1848. Around this is the 
inscription, INIZIO DEL RISORGIMBNTO 
D’lTALIA. 


AND MONOGRAPHS 







118 


ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


TUSCANY 

Tuscany, the ancient Etruria, lies south 
of the Apennines. On the east it was 
bounded by the districts of Umbria and the 
Marches, while to the south lay the section 
known in Classical times as Latium, but 
which later, with the rise of the Church, 
was usually known as the Papal States. 
None of these provinces had boundaries that 
were fixed for any great length of time, and 
their geographical history is very com¬ 
plicated. 

Between the ioth and 16th Centuries, 
Tuscany was composed of several self- 
governed communes or Republics, the most 
important of which were Lucca, Pisa, 
Florence and Siena. The Medici family 
was a dominant factor in the government for 
a long period. In 1735 the country came 
under Austrian rule. Francis, Duke of 
Lorraine and afterwards Emperor of Aus¬ 
tria (1708-1765), became Grand Duke of 
Tuscany. He succeeded John Gaston, the 
last of his line, and thus the Duchy passed 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






MEDALS OF HONOUR 

119 

from the control of the Medici and into that 
of the Hapsburg family. This had been 
arranged by treaty. 

The Hapsburgs continued in control until 
the entrance of the French in 1799 under 
Napoleon I, though the battle of Waterloo 
in 1815 brought back once more their rule 
in the domain. Ferdinand III (1769-1824) 
was succeeded by his son, Leopold II, who 
lost the Duchy of Tuscany when the constit¬ 
uent Assembly voted for its inclusion in the 
Kingdom of Italy on August 16, i860. 
From that time all the Orders of Tuscany 
have been discontinued. 

ORDER OF SAINT STEPHEN. This 
Order was founded at Pisa in 1561 or 1562, 
by Cosimo I de’ Medici, Duke of Florence, 
afterwards the first duke of Tuscany, to 
commemorate his victory over the French at 
Siena. The battle took place on St. Stephen’s 
day, August 2, 1554 (or August 6 accord¬ 
ing to some historians). The inhabitants 
of the city and the troops under Henry II, 
after withstanding a siege of fifteen months, 
finally capitulated. In 1567, Pope Pius V 


AND MONOGRAPHS 








120 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


granted Cosimo the title of the first Grand 
Duke of Tuscany. The Order was named in 
honour of Stephen IX, Pope and martyr, 
once bishop of Florence, on whose festival 
Cosimo de’ Medici gained his victory. It 
is said to have been discontinued in 1565, 
but Elias Ashmole states that new statutes 
were approved in 1590. He also lists it as 
one of the Orders extant in 1715; though 
Hugh Clark informs us that the Order was 
“revived in 1764 and put on a respectable 
footing.” Whatever its status in the 
interval may have been, the Order was 
reorganized in 1817 by Ferdinand III, 
Grand Duke of Tuscany (1769-1824), and 
its regulations were altered by him at that 
time. The insignia is a red-enamelled, gold- 
edged cross, similar to that of the Knights 
of Malta. In the angles are golden fleurs- 
de-lis and above the cross is a ducal crown of 
gold. The ribbon is bright red. 

ORDER OF SAINT JOSEPH. Founded 
by Ferdinand III on March 19, 1807, when 
as Grand Duke of Wurtzburg he was ad¬ 
mitted to the Confederation of the Rhine. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XXX 



Tuscany 

Order of Saint Stephen 


122 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


Upon the downfall of the Napoleonic control 
of Tuscany in 1814, Ferdinand restored the 
Order in Tuscany when he again assumed 
control of the Duchy. The Order was for 
meritorious service and was awarded to 
civilians, ecclesiastics and the military, 
whether native or foreign. Generally the 
honour was confined to those of the Roman 
Catholic faith. There are three classes: 
Grand Cross, Commanders and Knights. 
The Decoration of the first class is silver, 
a double-pointed, six-armed cross, with 
rays between the arms. An oval medallion 
in the centre bears the figure of St. Joseph; 
around this on the band, likewise of silver, 
is the motto UBIQUE SI MI LIS (Everywhere 
the same), with a branch of laurel and oak. 
In the lower centre of the band is the letter 
F. The cross of the second class is gold, 
and similar to the star of the first class, 
though smaller. It has white-enamelled 
arms, and the rays and the medallion band 
are of red enamel. It is surmounted by a 
gold crown and a suspension ring for the 
ribbon, which is bright red, with a white 
stripe at each edge. The reverse medallion 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 

_ 







ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XXXI 



Tuscany 

Order of Saint Joseph 


124 


ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


has in the centre S.J.F .1807 (SanctoJosepho 
Ferdinando —Dedicated by Ferdinand to 
Saint Joseph). The third class cross is 
smaller and worn with a narrower ribbon. 


ORDER OF THE WHITE CROSS. 
Instituted by Grand Duke Ferdinand III 
in 1814. This was a decoration solely for 
the military faithful to him. It is sometimes 
called the “Cross of Loyalty.” A MEDAL 
OF HONOUR was also founded in 1816 for 
those who had distinguished themselves in 
the Duchy. No description of these two 
insignia is obtainable from the several 
authorities consulted. 

MILITARY MEDAL. Authorized in 1815 
for distinguished service. It was awarded 
only to junior officers and soldiers. This 
medal is silver, bearing on the obverse a 
bust of the founder facing to right, and the 
title FERDINANDO III.A.D.A.GRAND. 
DI TOSCANA. The reverse has in relief 
AI PRODI E FED ELI TOSCANI 1815 . 
(To the brave and faithful Tuscans.) The 
ribbon is half red and half white. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 


-- 













MEDALS OF HONOUR 

125 

LONG SERVICE MEDAL. Founded in 
1816 and issued to junior officers and sol¬ 
diers. It is bronze, 37 mm., and bears on 
the obverse two crossed swords, with a 
shield bearing the letter F superimposed. 
Above this device is a crown, and below is 
1816, the date of its creation. The reverse 
reads, in relief, AL LUNGO E FED EL 
SERVIZIO. The ribbon is half red and 
half white. 


MEDAL OF MILITARY MERIT. This 
was founded by Leopold II on May 19, 1841, 
and bears the effigy of the Duke and the 
words LEOPOLDO II GRANDUCA DI 
TOSCANA. The reverse has in relief 
FI DELTA E V A LORE. The ribbon is 
half red and half black. 


ORDER OF MILITARY MERIT. In¬ 
stituted on December 19, 1853, by Leopold 
II. The decoration is a five-armed white- 
enamelled cross of gold on a gold laurel 
wreath, which is surmounted by a gold 
crown. The obverse medallion is inscribed 
L II. surrounded by the words MERITO 


AND MONOGRAPHS 








126 


ITALIAN ORDERS 


MILITARE. On the reverse medallion, 
1853 records the date of its creation. The 
ribbon is of red and black in equal stripes. 

MEDAL OF 1848 . Founded by Leopold 
II for the war of Italian Independence. 
This was a service medal for his troops 
taking part in that campaign. It is bronze- 
gilt, and bears on the obverse the effigy of 
the Grand-duke and title LEOPOLDO II 
GRANDUCA DI TOSCANA. On the re¬ 
verse within a laurel wreath is the inscription 
GUERRA/DELLA/INDIPENDENZA / 
ITALIANA/18^8. The loop for the ribbon 
is a wide bar-like affair, similar to that for 
many of the Italian medals. The ribbon is 
blue, bordered with two red stripes. 

MEDAL OF MERIT. Attributed by but 
one authority to Ferdinand IV. Issued 
in five classes; gold, of 40 mm. and 30 mm.; 
silver, of 49 mm. and 30 mm., and bronze, 
45 mm. in diameter, according to the impor¬ 
tance of the award. On the obverse is a 
bust of the Grand-duke and FERDINANDO 
IV GRANDUCA DI TOSCANA. The re- 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 









ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XXXII 



Tuscany 

Order of Military Merit, Leopold II 


128 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


verse bears the inscription AL MER1T0 
within a wreath. The ribbon is dark blue 
with black stripes at the sides. 

LONG SERVICE MEDAL. Instituted 
by Leopold II in December, 1850, for officers 
of the Army who had served at least thirty 
years. It is 36 mm., a gilt Maltese cross, 
having in the centre medallion of silver the 
head of Leopold II to left, encircled by 
LEOPOLD II G. D. DI TO SC. On the 
reverse medallion is the word ANZIANITA, 
with a crown above. No information 
concerning the ribbon is obtainable. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






ITALIAN DECORATIONS 


Pl. XXXIII 



Venice. Defence of Venice, 1848 
Tuscany. Long Service Medal 









130 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


VENICE 

At the time of Augustus, there was no 
city of Venice, and Padua was the chief city 
of the district which has since come to be 
known as Venetia. This district occupied 
the Northeastern section of that country 
from the Alps on the North and East to the 
Adriatic Sea, and to the River Po on the 
West. From the Sixth and Seventh Cen¬ 
turies, after the foundation and the growth 
of Venice, it developed a considerable com¬ 
merce with its island domains and became a 
great maritime power. For many centuries 
an independent Republic was maintained, 
governed by a Senate and a Doge, elected 
by the people; his authority, however, was 
limited. Constant wars with neighboring 
peoples and with the Turks did not exhaust 
the wealth of Venice; and until the Eight¬ 
eenth Century Venice wielded great in¬ 
fluence in European politics. The Republic 
was unable to withstand the French army, 
however, and on October 17, 1797, was 
divided—one half of the territory going to 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 









MEDALS OF HONOUR 

131 

Austria and the other half to the Cisalpine 
Republic; the Ionian Islands went to France. 
For a thousand years the Venetian Republic 
maintained its independence, and exhibited 
a form of government which commanded 
universal admiration. 

ORDER OF SAINT MARK. Probably 
founded early in the Eighth Century. 
Giustinian, writing in 1692, states that 
Domenico Leoni was the first Grand Master 
of the Or dine di San Marco in the year 737. 
He also lists a number of the Grand Masters 
from that date to 1688, and gives several 
authorities. Other writers fix the date of 
its origin as 828, when the remains of Saint 
Mark were taken from Alexandria to Venice. 
No exact information is obtainable as to the 
discontinuance of the Order, though Ashmole 
indicates its existence in 1672, as does Clark 
in 1784. 

The insignia is a gold chain to be worn 
around the neck. From this a gold medal¬ 
lion is suspended. On the obverse is the 
Arms of Venice—the winged lion of St. 
Mark, seated with a sword in the right paw, 


AND MONOGRAPHS 







132 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


and with the left paw resting on an open 
book, on which is the motto PAX TIBI 
MARCE EVANGELISTA MEUS (Peace 
to thee, Mark, my Evangelist). The reverse 
is believed to have been plain, although 
Ashmole asserts that it had the name of the 
Doge then living as well as a portrait—if 
that is what may be understood by his words 
“a particular impress.” This Order was 
conferred by the Senate or by the Doge, 
and later was called the Order of the Doge 
of Venice. On late forms, the insignia was 
changed to a blue-enamelled cross, on the 
centre of which was a medallion with the 
above described Arms. The reverse bore 
the effigy of the reigning Doge, sometimes 
represented as on his knees receiving a 
standard from the hands of St. Mark. 
All recipients of this Order had to show 
records of noble birth and were known as 
the Knights of Saint Mark. 

MEDAL FOR THE DEFENCE OF 
VENICE OF 1848 . This medal was issued 
in 1849, during the second year of the short¬ 
lived Republic of Saint Mark—as Venice 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






MEDALS OF HONOUR 

133 

was at that time called. It was of silver and 
bronze, 27 mm., bearing on the obverse the 
Arms of the Republic. Around this are 
the words INDIPENDENZA ITALIAN A. 
On the reverse is the cross of St. Maurice 
surrounded by VESSILLO DI VIT TORI A 
18^8. The ribbon is crimson with a narrow 
gold stripe at each side. (PI. XXXIII.) 

MEDAL FOR BRAVERY. Also issued 
in 1849. It was of silver and bronze, but 
32 mm. in diameter. The obverse has the 
lion of St. Mark and GOVERNO PROVI¬ 
SO RIO 1848-49. 

On the reverse, within an oak wreath, are 
the words DI FEN SORE DI VENEZIA. 
The ribbon is red with gold stripes at the 
sides. 

MEDAL FOR THE CIVIL GUARD. 
Authorized in 1849. It was silver and 
bronze gilt, oval in form, 40 mm. by 34 
mm. On the obverse appear two crossed 
flags and the words GUARDI A Cl VIC A 
VENETA. The reverse reads VV/ 
VI TALI A. The ribbon is yellow. 


AND MONOGRAPHS 








134 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


OBSOLETE ORDERS 

The following Orders listed by the several 
authorities consulted, as having been formed 
in Italy, have long been discontinued. 

Order of the Golden Star of Venice, date 
not given. 

Order of the Golden Stole, date not given. 

Order of the Royal Crown of Mantua, was, 
according to Genouillac, created in 771 by 
Prince Louis of Gonzaga (son of Witikind, 
King of Saxony), in honour of his marriage 
with Adalgise of Lombardy, daughter of 
Gisulf, due de Frioul. 

Order of the Eagle of Italy. Created 
February 15,941, by Hugo II of Gonzaga, to 
perpetuate the memory of his marriage with 
Princess Elizabeth of Gonzaga and Lom¬ 
bardy. New statutes were formed for the 
Order in 968. 

Order of Holy Mary, Mother of God. 
Founded in Italy in 1233. Its creation is 
attributed to Bartholomew, Bishop of 
Vincenza. The purpose of its foundation 
was to quell the discords which arose 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 










MEDALS OF HONOUR 

135 

between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines 
and also to defend and support the Roman 
Catholic religion. It was approved by 
Pope Martin IV, who placed the knights 
under the protection of St. Augustin. It was 
called by some the “Order of the Brothers 
of the Jubilation,” later the “Order of St. 
Mary of the Tower,” and the “Order of the 
Chevaliers of the Mother of God.” 3 Archer 
states that this later Order was founded in 
1737. Towards the end of the Sixteenth 
Century the Order had entirely disappeared. 

Order of the Black Swan of Italy, founded 
in 1350 by Amadeus VI and other Italian 
Princes, for the purpose of preventing feuds, 
then so prevalent. 

Order of St. George of Genoa. Founded 
in 1472 by Frederick III of Germany. It 
was to reward the Genoese for the reception 
he received during his journey to Rome, 
where he received the Imperial Crown. 
The Order was short-lived. The badge is 
a plain red cross suspended from a gold 
chain. This Order is not to be confused with 
the Order of St. George of Austria, founded 
in 1468 by the Emperor Frederick III. 


and monographs 









136 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


Order of St. George of Ravenna. Founded 
in 1534 by Alexander of Farnese (then 
Pope Paul III). Its award was confined 
to those who defended the city and its 
vicinity from the attack of the Moslems 
or Corsairs. On the death of its founder 
it ceased to exist. Cappelletti says it was 
suppressed by Gregory XIII. The insignia 
was a red-enamelled star of eight points, 
over which was a gold ducal crown. 

Order of the Lily. Founded in 1546 by 
Alexander of Farnese. 

Order of the Lamb of God of Tuscany. 
Founded in 1568 by John III. 

Order of the Redeemer or of the Precious 
Blood of our Saviour. Founded in 1608 by 
Vincent (IV) Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua. 

It was in honour of the marriage of his son 
Francis with the Princess Marguerite, the 
daughter of Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of 
Savoy. The Order survived about a 
century and lapsed in 1708 on the death of 
Ferdinando Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua. 
An attempt was made to revive it in 1847 
but without success. The insignia was an 
oval medallion, in the centre of which were 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 







MEDALS OF HONOUR 

137 

two angels in adoration. Around this was 
the motto NIHIL HOC TRISTE RECEPTO. 

Order of the Conception. Instituted on 
September 8, 1617, by Ferdinand 1 of 
Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, in honour of 
the conception of the Virgin and placed 
under the protection of St. Michael the 
Archangel. Like many other Orders founded 
about this time, the members swore alle¬ 
giance to the Church and agreed to fight 
against the infidels. 

Order of the Virgin or the Order of the 
Virgin Mary the Glorious. Created in Italy 
by three gentlemen of Spella, named Peter, 
John the Baptist, and Bernard, surnamed 
Petrignani. The Order was approved by 
Pope Paul V in 1618, and placed under the 
protection of the holy Virgin. The mem¬ 
bers agreed to defend and uphold the Roman 
Catholic religion and make war on the in¬ 
fidels. No record has been found of the 
discontinuance of the order. 

Order of Saint Rosalie of Palermo. Founded 
in 1634 by Alderon de Carreto. 


AND MONOGRAPHS 







ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


138 


NOTES 

iCharles Albert (1789-1849) was of the line of 
Savoy-Carignano which was founded by Thomas 
Francis (1596-1656), son of Charles Emmanuel the 
Great. Carignano, a town in the province of Turin, 
was in 1630 bestowed by Charles Emmanuel I upon 
his son Thomas Francis, who was known as the Prince 
of Carignano. The present reigning king of Italy is 
of this house. Ency. Brit. Vol. XXI, p. 342 and Vol. 
5. p. 105. 

2 “At this Crescent was fastened as many' small 
Pieces of Gold fashion’d like Columns and enamell’d 
with Red, as the Knights had been engag’d in Battels 
and Sieges; for none could be adopted into this Order 
unless he had well trod the Paths of Honour.” 
Ashmole, E., Hist, of Order of the Garter, 1715, p. 69. 

3 Ashmole, 1672, p. 80. ‘‘It was approved and con¬ 
firmed by Pope Urban IV, anno 1262, and the Rule of 
St. Dominick prescribed to the Knights.” 


BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Armani, E. Insegne Cavaileresche e Meda- 
glie del Regno d'ltalia. Rome, 1915. 

Ashmole, Elias. The Institution, Laws and 
Ceremonies of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. 
London 1672. 

Ashmole, Elias. The History of the Most 
Noble Order of the Garter. London 1715. 


N U M ISMATIC NOTES 










MEDALS OF HONOUR 

139 

Burke, Sir Bernard. The Book of Orders 
of Knighthood and Decorations of Honor. 
London 1858. 

Cappelletti, Licurgo. Ordini Cavalle- 
reschi. Livorno 1904. 

Cibrario, Luigi. Descrizione e Storica degli 
Ordini Cavallereschi. 2 vols. Torino 1846. 

Clark, Hugh A. A Concise History of 
Knighthood. London 1784. 

Cuomo, Raffaele. Ordini Cavallereschi 
antichi e moderni. 2 vols. Naples 1894. 

Elvin, C. N. Handbook of the Orders of 
Chivalry. London 1893. 

Favine, Andrew. The Theatre of Honour 
and Knighthood. London 1623.—Translated 
from a French Edition of 1620. 

Genouillac, H. Gourdon de. Diction- 
naire historique des ordres de Chevalerie. Paris 
i860. 

Genouillac, H. Gourdon de. Nouveau 
Dictionnaire des ordres de Chevalerie. Paris 
1891. 

Giorgio, Florindo de. Dellc cerimonie 
Pubbliche della onorificenze della nobilta e 
de'Titoli e degli Ordini Cavallereschi net Regno 
delle Due Sicilie. Naples 1854. 

Giustinian, Bernardo. Historic degli Or¬ 
dini militari, etc. Venezia 1692. 


AND MONOGRAPHS 








140 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


J. S. The History of Monastical Conven¬ 
tions and Military Institutions, etc. London 
1701. 

Lawrence-Archer, Major J. H. The 
Orders of Chivalry. London 1897. 

Mennenii, Francisci. Deliciae Eqyestrivm 
sive Militarivm Ordinvm et Eorundem Origines, 
etc. Coloniae Agrippinae 1638. 

Perrot, A.-M. Collection J Historique des 
Ordres de Chevalerie. Paris 1820. 

Puca, Antonio. Gli ordini cavallereschi del 
Regno dTtalia. Naples 1879. 

Ricciardi, Eduardo. Medaglie delle due 
Sicilie. Naples 1910 and 1913. 

Ruo, Raffaele. Ordini Cavallereschi .... 
instituti nel regno delle Due Sicilie. Naples 1832. 

Saint Joachim. An accurate historical account 
of all the Orders of Knighthood, by an Officer of 
the Chancery of the Order of Saint Joachim. 
London 1802. (Said to be by Sir L. Hamon). 

Sculfort, Lieut. V. Catalogue; Decorations 
et Medailles du Musee de VArmee. Paris 1912. 

Trost, L. J. Die Ritter- und Verdienst 
Or den, Ehrenziechen und Medaillen aller Sou- 
ver'dne und Staaten. Wien & Leipzig 1910. 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 






MEDALS OF 


HONOUR 


141 


INDEX 

Lucca 

Civil Medal of Merit. 8 

Military Service Medal. 8 

St. George, Order of. 5 

St. Louis, Order of. 6 

Modena 

Cross for Service. 13 

Eagle of Este, Order of. 10 

Fidelity Medal. 14 

Military Medal for Loyalty. 12 

Military Medal of Merit. 13 

Parma 

Constantine, Order of. 16 

Medal of Merit. 20 

St. Louis, Order of. 19 

San Marino 

Medal of Merit. 24 

Order of Chivalry. 21 

Sardinia, Savoy and Kingdom of Italy 

Africa, Medal for. 65 

Boxer Uprising, Medal for (Medal for Far 

East). 66 

China, Medal for (Medal for Far East)... 66 


AND MONOGRAPHS 






























142 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


Civil Medal of Valour. 

• 49 


Civil Order of Savoy. 

• 36 


Colonial Order of the Star of Italy. 

• 43 


Crimean Medal. 

■ 57 


Crown of Merit. 

• 76 


Crown of Italy, Order of. 

• 38 


Far East, Medal for. 

. 66 


Industry, Order of. 

■ 42 


Italian Independence Medal. 

60 


Italian Unity Medal. 

• 76 


Liberation of Sicily, Medal for. 

• 58 


Life Saving Medal. 

• 54 


Marsala Medal (Medal of the Thousand). 

60 


Medal of Merit. 

• 54 


Medal of Merit (Battle of Vicenza). 

• 79 


Medal of Merit (Rome). 

• 79 


Medal of Merit (“S.P.Q.R.”)... 

. 80 


Medal of the Thousand. 

60 


Military Cross for Service. 

• 44 


Military Medal of Valour. 

. 46 


Most Sacred Annunciation, Order of. . . . 

27 


National Gratitude, Medal of. 

• 74 


Naval Medal of Valour. 

• 50 


Public Safety, Medal of Merit. 

• 5i 


Royal Military Order of Savoy. 

• 35 


St. Maurice, Medal of. 

• 34 


St. Maurice and St. Lazarus, Order of. . . 

• 30 


Star of the Thousand. 

• 59 


NUMISMATIC NOT 

E S 































MEDALS OF HONOUR 


Turkish War of 1911-1912. 68 

United Italy, Medal for. 62 

Valour Medal. 25 

Veterans Guarding Tomb of the Kings 

Medal. 52 

Victory Medal. 74 

War Cross of Italy. 70 

War in Lybia Medal. 70 

War Orphans Medal. 76 

War Volunteers Medal. 76 

World War Medal. 72 

See also Obsolete Orders. 134 

The Two Sicilies 

Campaign of 1860. 112 

Civil Merit, Medal of. 108 

Constantine, Order of. 105 

Crescent, Order of the. 85 

Defence of Catania, Medal for the. 114 

Double Crescent (Order of the Ship). 85 

Eastern Sicily, Campaign of. 112 

Ermine (Naples), Order of the. 88 

Francis I, Royal Order of. 105 

Gaeta Medal. 11 4 

Griffin (Naples), Order of the. 89 

Holy Spirit of the Right Desire (Order of 

the Knot). 8 7 

Knot (Naples), Order of. 8 7 

Lombardy, Medal of Merit for. 96 


AND MONOGRAPHS 
































144 

ITALIAN ORDERS AND 


Long Service Medal. 109 

Medal of Honour. 94 

Medal of Honour (1815). 101 

Medal of Honour (Sicily). 101 

Messina, Medal for. 108 

Naples, Medal of Honour for. 100 

Provincial Legion, Medal of Honour for the 99 

Reel and Lioness, Order of. 87 

St. Charles, Royal Military Order of. . . . 92 

St. Ferdinand, Order of, and Order of 

Merit. 93 

St. George, Medal of. 104 

St. George of the Reunion, Royal Military 

Order of. 102 

St. Januarius, Order of. 89 

St. Michael (Naples), Order of. 89 

Security Guard Medal. 102 

Ship, Order of the. 85 

Sicily, Medal for (Ferd. II.). no 

Sicily, Medal for (Nationalist). 117 

Siege of Gaeta, Medal of Honour for the. . 97 

Siege of Messina, Medal for the. 109 

Siena, Medal of Merit for. 96 

Spur, Order of the. 87 

Two Sicilies, Royal Order of the. 98 

Tuscany 

Long Service Medal. ^5 

Long Service Medal (Leopold II). 128 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 
































MEDALS OF HONOUR 


145 


Medal of 1848. 126 

Medal of Merit. 126 

Military Medal. 124 

Military Merit, Medal of. 125 

Military Merit, Order of. 125 

St. Joseph, Order of. 120 

St. Stephen, Order of. 119 

White Cross, Order of the (Cross of 

Loyalty). 124 

See also Obsolete Orders. 134 

Venice 

Bravery, Medal for. 133 

Civil Guard, Medal for the. 133 

Defence of Venice of 1848, Medal for the. . 132 
St. Mark, Order of. 131 

Obsolete Orders 

Black Swan of Italy, Order of the. 135 

Conception, Order of the. 137 

Eagle of Italy, Order of the. 134 

Golden Star of Venice, Order of the. 134 

Golden Stole, Order of the. 134 

Holy Mary, Mother of God, Order of the. . 134 
Lamb of God of Tuscany, Order of the... 136 

Lily, Order of. 136 

Precious Blood of Our Saviour (See Order 

of the Redeemer). 13b 

Redeemer, Order of the. 13b 


AND MONOGRAPHS 




























146 

ITALIAN ORDERS 


Royal Crown of Mantua, Order of the. . . 134 

St. George of Genoa, Order of. 135 

St. George of Ravenna, Order of. 136 

St. Rosalie of Palermo, Order of. 137 

Virgin, Order of the. 137 


NUMISMATIC NOTES 













Numismatic Notes and Monographs 


1. Sj'dney P. Noe. Coin Hoards. 1921. 

47 pages. 6 plates. 50c. 

2. Edward T. Newell. Octobols of Histiaea, 

1921. 25 pages. 2 plates. 50c. 

3. Edward T. Newell. Alexander Hoards— 

Introduction and Kyparissia Hoard. 
1921. 21 pages. 2 plates. 50c. 

4. Howland Wood. The Mexican Revolu¬ 

tionary Coinage 1913-1916. 1921. 44 

pages. 26 plates. $2.00. 

5. Leonidas Westervelt. The Jenny Lind 

Medals and Tokens. 1921. 25 pages. 
9 plates. 50c. 

6. Agnes Baldwin. Five Roman Gold Me¬ 

dallions. 1921. 103 pages. 8 plates. 

$1.50. 

7. Sydney P. Noe. Medallic Work of A. 

A. Weinman. 1921. 31 pages. 17 

plates. $1.00. 

8. Gilbert S. Perez. The Mint of the Philip¬ 

pine Islands. 1921. 8 pages. 4 plates. 
50c. 

9. David Eugene Smith, LL.D. Computing 

Jetons. 1921. 70 pages. 25 plates. 

$1.50. 

10. Edward T. Newell. The First Seleucid 
Coinage of Tyre. 1921. 40 pages. 8 
plates. $1.00. 



Numismatic Notes and Monographs 

(Continued) 

11. Harrold E. Gillingham. French Orders 

and Decorations. 1922. no pages. 35 
plates. $2.00. 

12. Howland Wood. Gold Dollars of 1858. 

1922. 7 pages. 2 plates. 50c. 

13. R. B. Whitehead. Pre-Mohammedan 

Coinage of N. W. India. 1922. 56 

pages. 15 plates. $2.00. 

14. George F. Hill. Attambelos I of 

Characene. 1922. 12 pages. 3 plates. 
$1.00. 

15. M. P. Vlasto. Taras Oikistes (A Con¬ 

tribution to Tarentine Numismatics). 
1922. 234 pages. 13 plates. $3.50. 

16. Howland Wood. Commemorative Coin¬ 

age of United States. 1922. 63 pages. 
7 plates. $1.50. 

17. Agnes Baldwin. Six Roman Bronze 

Medallions. 1923. 39 pages. 6 plates. 
$1.50. 

18. Howland Wood. Tegucigalpa Coinage 

of 1823. 1923. 16 pages. 2 plates. 

50c. 

19. Edward T. Newell. Alexander Hoards— 

II. Demanhur Hoard. 1923. 162 

pages. 8 plates. $2.50. 








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